Post 24 Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Submitted to Johnson City News, 12 Sep 2017
On an overcast morning with gusts of wind and threatening rain, Johnson City and Washington County solemnly remembered those who were lost on 11 Sep 2001. The event was hosted by American Legion Post 24 to recognize the heroes of that day. Those who died, those who rescued total strangers. Those who would contract respiratory diseases, cancer and eventually die, having survived the day or having searched for survivors.
The event was three months in the making. The planning committee expanding beyond Post 24 to include members of the Johnson City Fire and Police Departments, Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Medical Services, Rolling Thunder Chapter 4, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4933 and other volunteers. The theme became clear during the initial meetings, it would be about “Remembrance”, not the terror of the day. We would celebrate the heroic actions of those “First Responders”. This was not to be about the American Legion Post 24 for as Veterans we know of and recognize heroism in others, this was to be the purpose.
The ceremony was held in the amphitheater of the Johnson City Memorial Park, the location where the “Dough Boy” Statue (commonly known as Iron Mike) is located. The statue was a gift to the people of Johnson City, by American Legion Post 24, back in 1936. During the welcome, Post Commander Bryan Lauzon, set the tone for the ceremony: “Today we recognize the heroism of those First Responders AND that of OUR Firemen, Policemen and Emergency Medical Service personnel. For our Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard who defend us daily. AND let us not forget our civilian employees who work hand in hand to protect our communities and our Nation”. The color guard was comprised of members of the Fire, Police and EMS who presented the National, State and City colors. They were followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Melinda Hite and a prayer by PD Chaplain Matthias Young. At 8:45 am, Fireman Ian Keys struck the bell twice, for the 2,823 lives were taken at the Twin Towers, including 343 Firemen, 60 Policemen and 8 EMS. A third time for the 40 lives taken in the pasture in Shanksville, PA and a fourth time for the 125 lives lost at The Pentagon. As you would expect, the bell struck a humbling cord throughout the audience.
Johnson City Mayor David Tomita read and then presented a proclamation from Johnson City. State Senator Rusty Crowe read a proclamation from the state house, honoring the day. Fire Department Chief Jim Stables, Police Chief Mark Sirois and EMS Chief Dan Wheeley each presented their remembrance of 11 Sep 2001 and spoke of the efforts underway in the wake of the hurricanes in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The three Chiefs then laid a wreath in memory of the fallen and ALL First Responders. Amazing Grace was sung by Melinda Hite and honors were performed by VFW Post 4933. Taps was played by Jim Culp, Johnson City Community Concert Band. Commander Lauzon concluded the ceremony by asking for “God to Bless our First Responders, keep them safe, God to Bless America and to protect us all”.
All were invited to the American Legion Hall for coffee, cake and donuts.
Success is measured in deeds not in words. This is what we do.
Within hours an extensive video clip appeared on youtube: https://youtu.be/ahQgbbl1VWA , produced by Eileen Zoellner a committee volunteer photographer.
