"This nation will remain the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave."
~~ Elmer Davis
Every September 11th since 2011, my town erects a Healing Field where flags are displayed, representing every person who lost their life in the terrorist attacks. Walking through row after row of these flags, one gains a keener perspective of just how many people died that day.
Today, marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Yesterday, my town held a huge memorial service to mark the day.
Thousands turned out at City Hall, across from the Healing Field, for this commemoration.
Patriotism was greatly on display.
Fire Departments and Law Enforcement personnel turned out in large numbers.
Two huge bubbles filled with hundreds of balloons were anchored to the ground just north of the flag field, to be released during the service.
Two fire trucks had backed up towards each other with ladders raised, to hold up an American Flag. In front was the obscured commemorative statue that was to be unveiled during the ceremony.
People quietly wandered through the flag field, full of contemplation.
These T Shirts were worn by 2,000 bikers who made the trek together to the Healing Fields.
During the service, there were many wonderful talks. Senator Matheson read a letter from President Bush, reminiscing about the day of the attacks when people rose to their finest hour.
A local policeman sang the National Anthem.
A severly injured war hero, wounded in Afghanistan, shared his feelings about our country.
Then, we all turned to see the ballons released, the same number as the souls lost that day.
The family member of a lost loved one silently watched as the balloons made their ascent into the sky.
Major General Busch, from nearby Hill Air Force Base, said a few words about bravery and sacrifice.
Then came the unveiling of the statue...
a herioc-size bronze sculpture of...
...the three fire fighters who raised the American Flag over the WTC rubble.
"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
2 comments:
What a beautiful tribute. Where is the healing field in Utah. I wish that my Utah kids could have attended. I am touched by just looking at the pictures you've posted. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Lura
That is such a wonderful thing for them to do. I would have love to attended something like this.
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