In the hours, days and weeks that followed terrorist attacks against U.S. targets Sept. 11, 2001 the horrific events were played and replayed on national news broadcasts and other media outlets.
The country was immediately gripped by the reality that life in the United States would never be the same and many found themselves wondering “where do we go from here?”
The surprise attacks caught the entire world off guard and unaware, a fact that was summed up by Sgt. Major Bob Brown at Monday’s local ceremony.
“In times of war and when one is placed in harm’s way, we know who our enemy is. We can see them. They are in front of us. But now, today, we have an unseen and unknown enemy within our own borders,” Brown said.
A small crowd gathered at North Veterans Memorial Park’s Veterans Memorial Bridge shortly before 11 a.m. Monday for a service to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“I am very disappointed at the turnout here, it is almost like people don’t care anymore,” an unidentified attendee said after the ceremony concluded.
The event was attended by personnel from the Rushville Police Department, Rush County Sheriff’s Department, Rushville Fire Department, FMH Ambulance and a Color Guard comprised of former military personnel and veterans. Brown, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, presided over the 30 minute program.
Speakers included Rushville Mayor Bob Bridges, Rushville Chief of Police Tony Fudge, Lt. Chuck Kemker of the Rushville Fire Department and Pastor George Huff.
Although each of the speakers touched upon the tragic events of five years earlier, the majority of their focus centered on looking forward rather than back.
“There is more to our country than brick, mortar and wealth—and that is the compassion of each of you here and those that come in a time of need,” Kemker said.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.
In closing, Rushville Mayor Bob Bridges said,” Our freedoms are not free and we are far better off when we stand united rather than divided.”
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@cnhimedia.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
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Small crowd marks local 9-11 anniversary
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