Six years later Warwick remembers September 11

Warwick - On Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2007, mist wrapped Veterans Memorial Park, deepening the fire truck’s color to blood red. A small crowed gathered to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 1, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, and to remember those who had perished on that day. The color guard stood at attention in front of the fire truck and presented the colors as a recording of the songs from each branch of the military played in the background. After a moment of silence, the crowd pledged the flag. As the mist turned to light rain and then to a downpour, the people crowd lofted umbrellas as American Legion Post 214 Commander Walter Parkinson led them to the American Legion Hall, where the ceremony continued. Among those present were local residents and public officials; veterans; members of the Warwick Police Department and active and retired firefighters from both the New York City and Warwick Fire Departments and other Emergency First Responders. Throughout the ceremony, Warwick Trustee Eileen Patterson cradled her three-year-old son Shea in her arms, as tears streamed down her cheeks. Shea waved his little American flag with his right arm, while his left arm encircled his mother’s neck. In addition to Parkinson, speakers included New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, Orange County Legislator Ben Winstanley, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard and Father Scott Barker, rector of Christ Episcopal Church. Some people brushed away tears. Others simply stood or sat silently, heads bowed, as Parkinson rang a bell as he read the names of the local residents who lost their lives on that day: Elise Wilson, John P. Williamson, Michael Fodor, John Ginley, Stephen Harrell, Bruce Van Hine, Linda Gronlund and Peter Gyulavary. Parkinson also invited anyone present to name others not mentioned, and several people responded. At 8:46 a.m., the moment when the first aircraft struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, the bells of Warwick’s Dutch Reformed Church and Christ Episcopal Church tolled. Parkinson moved people to tears with his reading of “In Flanders Fields,” one of the greatest of all war poems, written by Canadian doctor John McCrae after the terrible World War I battle of Ypres in 1915. The commander’s voice quavered slightly as he read the words that have stirred hearts for generations: “We are the dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. . .” During the memorial service, speakers reflected on the six years that have past since Sept. 11, 2001. Mayor Michael Newhard reminded those present that for the victims and their families, the six years represented six celebrations of Christmases, holidays and family gatherings lost to them forever. “We need to resolve that we will never forget what those cowards did,” urged Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton. New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit said, “There are not enough words to describe what happened.” In a fiery speech that drew a standing ovation, Orange County Legislator Ben Winstanley reminded everyone of the other numerous terrorist attacks against citizens of our country, including those on the USS Cole and on our American embassies in Africa, in addition to the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Winstanley said that we must vow to continue the fight against terrorism with what he described as the finest, bravest and most professional military in the world. “Let us not forget and may the Good Lord bless this Nation,” he said. At the conclusion of the ceremony, heads bowed as everyone listened to Taps, and then joined softly in the singing of, “God Bless America.” “We try to make meaning of that which defies meaning. Our best hope is to love each other and to pray,” said the The Rev. Barker in a final prayer and benediction. Before closing the memorial service, the commander said that although many communities were no longer observing this day, Warwick would always honor those who perished during the attacks. “Rain or shine, we will see you again next year at the same time on the same day,” he promised. More photos are available at strausnews.com