MOUNT VERNON — The city of Mount Vernon will host a ceremony on Public Square in recognition of Sunday’s 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Organized by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, the ceremony will begin Sunday at 8:46 a.m. with opening remarks by MVFD Acting Chief Chris Menapace and invocation by Wes Dingus. Presentation of Colors by MVFD Color Guard will then take place.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Kevin Henthorn, director of the Knox County Veterans Service Office.
Gary McCutcheon will perform “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, Sarah Bertschy will sing the National Anthem and the Heritage Singers will present a medley of patriotic music.
Members of MVFD will conduct the bell ceremony and flag raising.
“In our industry, with police and fire, this was a significant event in terms of the loss of life,” Menapace told the News. “There were 343 firefighters and 60 police officers who died that day trying to save the lives of others.”
Menapace said it is important for departments like Mount Vernon, and others across the county and the country to come together to remember the efforts that took place in New York City by the first responders and those who came in later to continue the search and rescue operations.
“There really is a bond that links us all together,” Menapace said. “We come together in a brotherhood to remember the event from seasoned veterans to rookies. This could have happened to any of us and it helps to keep that in perspective.”
Members of the military, law enforcement and other county fire departments are expected to be in attendance.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m.
DANVILLE — The Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District will recognize the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the United States with a brief ceremony on Sunday.
A barbecue chicken dinner will start at 11:30 a.m. Fire safety and firefighting activities will be available for children.
At 1 p.m., those in attendance will observe a moment of silence, followed by a few words from EKCJFD Chief Larry Stimpert.
Activities will take place at the Danville station, 7 W. Walnut St.