MOUNT VERNON — A time to remember, reflect and give thanks to those who give of their service was the topic Friday morning at the Mount Vernon High School gymnasium. Social studies teacher Dave Caldwell gave the welcome to the assembly, which was in remembrance of the events which occurred 10 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001. Introduced as special guests present for the ceremony the county commissioners, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis, Knox County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hess, Kelly Brenneman of the American Red Cross of Knox County, and representatives from local fire departments and law enforcement.
“We gather here this morning to honor the officials who stand between us and those who would do us harm,” said Caldwell. “On Sept. 11, we will celebrate Patriot Day in remembrance of the sacrifices made by our country’s men and women on that day 10 years ago. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought pain and loss to people across our nation and the world. As we pay tribute to those who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks.”
After the Mount Vernon High School orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner, Mount Vernon Fire Department Acting Chief Chris Menapace detailed some of the events that happened that day.
“This event marks the most deadly attack on our nation in modern times,” said Menapace. “For our country today, we honor the fallen fire and police personnel that died while doing their job. They died while attempting to save their fellow men.”
