SMETHPORT – “We must perpetuate the memory of those who perished
in the terroristðattack on America in 2001,” said Jack Rosenswie,
who spoke at the Patriot Day Memorial Remembrance Service Sunday on
the steps of the courthouse.
“Four years ago this morning, we joined together as a nation to
mourn the loss of good and decent people and to pledge our
commitment to win the war on terrorism … not just for ourselves
only, but for freedom-loving people everywhere,” Rosenswie
continued.
“We will not forget how many Americans responded to this
terrible event with heroism and selflessness, with compassion and
courage, and with prayer and hope.
“Time will never dull the grief of those who lost loved ones on
that tragic day, nor will it diminish our dedication to remembering
our heroes.ðIt is our spirit of freedom that endures in
America.”
Part of the way through his remarks, Rosenswie paused for a
moment of silence,ðwhile Mel Bauer, a U.S. Navy veteran, rang a
bell to honor the victims.
Rosenswie urged the audience to always remember the sacrifices
made by those many people who lost their lives during the terrorist
events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.ð “And let us never
forget the firemen, police officers, Port Authority officers, and
emergency response teams for their heroic efforts to rescue
stranded citizens.
“Throughout this day, let us take time to remind our own
families, friends and neighbors, and especially the children, of
the importance of remembering Patriot Day and what it stands for in
our great country.”
Sonja Covert and David Ford, past-commanders of the Smethport
American Legion, read the poem, “Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John
McCrae, a Canadian veteran of the Boer War and World War I.
Following a memorial salute by a veterans’ firing squad, George
Tufts played “Taps” onða bugle. The commander of the Smethport
American Legion’s colorguard, Tufts was also representing the
Marine Corps League at the service.
Ken Holmes, commander of the McKean-Cameron Bi-County American
Legion who was in town for the American Legion’s 23rd District
meeting which followed the public service, commented briefly at the
close of the program.
He said, “There are dates that stand out in American history:
1776, which marks us as a sovereign nation; 1918, the end of World
War I; 1945, which ended World War II; 1953, the end of the Korean
War; and 2001 has been ingrained in us so we will not forget. The
events of 2001 made us citizens and patriots first. We are all
veterans.”
U.S.ðArmy veteran, C. Russell Johnson, offered the invocation
and benediction. Howard McCollough was the Officer of the Day.
