To the Editor:
In this season of extreme gratitude and thanksgiving, it is my honor to take a moment and thank my fellow patriots who worked hard on our “Community 9/12 project.”
At the top of my list is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who by his example in John 15:13 stated, “Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
We honored our fallen men and women who have done just that, not only on 9/11, but from the beginning of our nation. We began our program with the American Legion, VFW Post 3301 and the Carrollton High School JROTC presenting the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. It was followed by Kristen Abel singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Thank you to each and everyone who participated.
Larry Walker addressed his fellow firefighters, paramedics and EMT personnel, memoralizing the 343 fallen firefighters who gave all on 9/11. Larry went on to recognize and honor all those in attendance for their years of service. We would also like to thank the Minerva and Knoxville fire departments for bringing their trucks to the event. Our hats are off to you.
Our next speaker was Sheriff Dale Williams. Dale spoke of his comrades who died on 9/11. A big thank you to Dale for speaking to us that Saturday and for always protecting our community. Thank you to Police Chief Ron Yeager and other former police and sheriff deputies who attended our event. Thank you for your years of service.
Mark Mickley told his story of he and Cheryl’s beloved Patty, their sister-in-law who died in the Pentagon attack. Our hearts were touched by their story and we are so thankful they were able to share it with us.
Larry Hetrick again blessed us with his bagpipe rendtion of Amazing Grace. Thanks, Larry, for playing the bagpipes in remembrance of all the fallen.
My friend, Marion Sandefur, prayed for all the families that lost someone in the 9/11 atrocity and for our nation. Thanks, Marion, for being a patriot as well as prayer warrior.
Abel again wowed the crowd with her a cappella version of America. Thanks again for a job beautifully done.
Pastor Ron Silver spoke next, demonstrating no political party is always right or wrong and we might want to take some personal responsibility for the way things are in our lives and our country. He reminded us that our founding fathers were willing to give of everything they possessed to form our nation. He left me thinking: What am I willing to give of myself to preserve this nation? Thanks pastor for the history lesson and thanks for the history lesson I get every Sunday morning.
My next thank you goes out to my oldest of my children, Olivia Brooks. She put together a very heartfelt video presentation to the Darryl Worley song, “Have You Forgotten?” It was moving to say the very least.
Following that song, it was only fitting that my brother, Eddie McLean, a former volunteer firefighter and former deputy sheriff, former United States Marine and currently TSGT in the Air Force, end our evening. Eddie spoke with pride about our forefathers, our Constitution and the price of freedom quoting Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine. He was interrupted by applause when he stated he makes no apologies for America and the wars we’ve fought to secure and defend our freedoms and the freedoms of others. The audience, comprised of many former military and families of men and women serving, were honored by Olivia’s last video presentation of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” as pictures of our local past and present military personnel graced the screen. Hardly a dry eye could be found as night’s end and hearts were full of love, respect and thanksgiving for our people who give unselfishly every day on our behalf. Thank you again to the 350 plus people who attended. You are indeed patriots!
For information on next year’s event, or to help with ideas or guest speakers, contact Larry or Lisa Walker at 330-739-0025 or Eddie McLean at 330-323-1545.
Sponsors of the event included Mary Stacey, Jim and Debbie Moore, Faith Hope and Mary Too, Leigh Ann Rutledge, The Free Press Standard, Gordon’s Graphics and Jerry Hinton, Paper Works and More, Elaine Painting, Ashton’s 5&10 Cent Store, Rich Jones and Jo Mac, Bob McLean, Roy and Donna Kohler, Gary and Denise Teeter, Carrollton McDonald’s, Walmart of New Philadelphia, Betty Kaye Bakery, Sue and Connor Morrow, all those who donated cookies, Joyce Guess, John and Belinda Mach, Carrollton High School for the use of the facility and the janitorial staff. You all made this event possible.
Lisa Walker
Kilgore, OH
<<Back>> |
