It has been 14 years since that terrible day that shocked, terrified, and then united America took place.   The day that terrorists attacked New York, Washington D.C. and brought down flight 93 over Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Photo by Tim Collins
Photo by Tim Collins
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The Yellow Ribbon Committee in Battle Creek is sponsoring a gathering at 6pm Friday at McCamly Park, across from the Kool Family Center (formerly Burnham Brook).   Police and first responders will be there, and you’re invited to bring the kids down to check out a fire truck.  Boy Scout Troop 374 will present the colors, and Brigadier General Robert Secrist will speak.

 

A 9-11 Commemorative Service will be held on Friday at 5:30 P.M. in Kalamazoo's Bronson Park.  Dr. Marilyn Schlack, President of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, will be the featured speaker.  Additional remarks will be made by Richland Township Fire Chief Gerald Luedecking, who volunteered at ground zero just days after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The invocation will be given by Rabbi Harvey Spivak of the Congregation of Moses and Rev. Steve Charnley of the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo will present the benediction.  Patriotic music will fill the park with selections by Grace Kalafut, John MacMullen, Aubrey Rowekamp, and Bagpiper Gloria Culp.  Taps will be played by Scott Thornburg.  Ceremonial duties will be performed by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Honor Guard, Portage Fire Department, and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Bottled water for those in attendance will be provided by Lake Michigan Credit Union.  Seating is provided for everyone.

Again this year, a special component is being planned.  Each person will be given a ribbon signifying remembrance.  Each ribbon will be placed on replicas of New York's twin towers.

Please take an hour from your day to reflect and remember.  Your presence will be a witness of thankfulness and pride for our country, a tribute to those who serve and defend our country, a memorial to those who perished on 9-11, and a declaration to the world that America will forever remain the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

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