From New York to California, and various in between, members of the Legion Family led Patriot Day observances.
Last week marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, as well as the brave act of passengers of United Flight 93 who diverted a hijacked plane from hitting another target and bringing it down in a rural area of Pennsylvania.
And again, American Legion Family members were at the forefront of commemorating the day across the nation. They staged traditional ceremonies, outdoor activities and other events focused on honoring the victims of that day, the first responders who gave their lives attempting to save them and the U.S. servicemembers who died during the Global War on Terror in response to the attacks.
The following are just a few samples of how the Legion Family observed the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. American Legion Family members who hosted, organized or took part in 9/11 commemorations are encouraged to share their stories and photos at Legiontown.org.
California
In Red Bluff, Mount Lassen Tehama Co. Post 167 teamed with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to host a 9/11 ceremony outside of the old Tehama County Courthouse. The ceremony included opening and closing prayers, speakers, the Pledge of Allegiance, taps and a rifle volley.
“It was early in the morning. We always used to turn the TV on when we got up and listened to the news, and my wife says, ‘Get up! Get up! Watch what’s going on’ — almost an unbelievable sight,” said Norman Goodin, a member of Post 167’s honor guard. “It’s us paying our respects to all those people and all the people that have died since from related illnesses.”
Florida
In Land O’Lakes, American Legion Post 108 teamed with Learn and Serve Tampa, Inc., to set up its annual 9/11 Memorial at Harvester Community Church and conducted a ceremony there. The post joined with others to place 2,977 placards honoring those who lost their lives during the attacks. Watch a video of the post’s efforts here.
Indiana
In Indianapolis, Indiana FireVets American Legion Post 911 hosted its first 9/11 Ruck Walk in remembrance of those who gave their life in service to the events on 9/11. The walk traversed the city’s many veterans and military memorials, ending at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle.
Prior to the walk, members of Post 911 took part in the Vision FirstNet Users Summit 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the city’s 9/11 Memorial. Vice Commander Scott Issacs served as emcee, while Post 911 Commander Ross McKee delivered remarks.
Kentucky
In Mayfield, American Legion Post 26 hosted its second 9/11 memorial lunch at High Point Baptist Church for Graves County first responders.
“We decided we wanted to try to do something to kind of commemorate what happened at 9/11 in New York City,” Post 26 Commander Joe Kimbel said. “So, we came up with the idea that we would feed all first responders, and that’s police, sheriff’s department, city police, the firefighters, the rescue squads … because they are the ones now on the front lines. They’re the ones taking care of all of us.”
Montana
· In Kalispell, a Freedom Walk was hosted by American Legion Post 137. The annual event includes post members and the public walking with flags and holding a remembrance ceremony.
· In Havre, American Legion Riders Chapter 11 hosted a memorial service to remember the victims and heroes of 9/11. Chapter 11 Sergeant-at-Arms David Zimmer served in the National Guard and was in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. "The carnage was unexplainable,” he said. “To see the extraordinary destruction, was unfathomable. So that forever, forever changed my thoughts and feelings on a few things.”
New York
In Olean, American Legion Post 530 hosted the memorial ceremony in Lincoln Park. The ceremony featured three speakers: Mayor Willian J. Aiello, Police Capt. Robert Blovsky and Fire Chief Eric Maurouard.
“The events of 9/11 are proof we live in a great nation,” Aiello said, while Maurouard added, “There’s no shortage of inspiring stories of firefighters, police officers and civilians who came to the aid of strangers that day.”
Tennessee
In Johnson City, Mountain Post 24 hosted its annual 9/11 Patriots Day Ceremony at Memorial Park. The ceremony honored the anniversary of 9/11 and those who died, including ringing a bell, a wreath-laying ceremony and playing taps.
“9/11 is to honor all the veterans, all the first responders, all the police department, the fire department, EMS that have sacrificed on a regular basis,” Post 24 Commander Mary Engleman said.
During the ceremony, Post 24 recognized local responders with awards who have exemplified community service, including those who assisted others during Hurricane Helene flood.
Texas
In Lufkin, American Legion Post 113 conducted a ceremony and moment of silence for the first responders lost in the 9/11 terror attacks.
“We never forget, we made that promise way back when, on Sept. 11th that we’d never forget,” said Post 113 Commander John Rawls, a retired firefighter. “That day I lost 343 brothers and sisters in the fire service going in to do what we are hired to do, and that is to rescue those who need our help.
“This is a brotherhood. The fire service is just like the military; we’re family, we do everything together. I try to honor my brothers and sisters every opportunity I get.”
Washington
In Ephrata, Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 hosted a remembrance ceremony that brought it residents from across Grant County. The ceremony honored both those lives lost that day, as well as those who gave their lives fighting for the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event also honored active and retired servicemembers, police, firefighters and health-care workers.
"We've got 200 banners of the fallen. These are people who have given their lives,” said Unit 28 member Jane Montaney. “And some of them were on deployment when that happened. Others passed away from their wounds after they returned, some of them were physical and some of them were mental.”
West Virginia
· In Madison County, American Legion Post 23 joined with the City of Point Pleasant to host a service honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the sacrifices of first responders. The event featured a playing of taps, bell tolls, and a laying of a memorial wreath. Auxiliary Unit 23 President Rebecca Farley shared where she was the day of the attacks. “I was actually at my desk,” she said. “I had, I had three girls, my baby girls. The youngest was 18 months old. And I, I literally, when that happened, we were in, I was living in an area that actually has a nuclear power plant where they make nuclear fuel. I just, I couldn’t get to my babies fast enough. I didn’t know if we were going to be the next target.”
· In Brilliant, American Legion Post 573 conducted a morning ceremony to remember those who died on Sept. 11. Department of West Virginia Commander Stan Oren said he still vividly remembers the day. “I walked into my boss’ office. I saw it on his TV, and my heart sank. It was like, ‘My gosh, we’re under attack,'” he said.
Wisconsin
In West Bend, Lt. Ray Dickop Post 36 teamed with the West Bend Fire Department and West Bend Police Department to conduct the city’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Plaza. During the ceremony, West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert also read a proclamation declaring last Thursday as 9/11 Remembrance Day in the city.
- Honor & Remembrance