Commemoration Ceremony recognizes the 18th anniversary of 9/11 attack

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Herald
The Rockton American Legion invited Lt. Joel Givens to speak at their 9/11 ceremony. Lt. Givens explained what 9/11 means to him, and ended with those words so many of us are finding ourselves saying today: Always Remember. Never Forget.

By Jean Seegers
REPORTER
Sept. 11, 2001, is a day that is burned into the hearts and souls of millions of Americans here and around the world. It’s been 18 years since terrorists flew planes into New York’s twin towers and the Pentagon in Washington DC. Another plane was diverted by passengers and, instead crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA.
Over 3,000 people were killed and over 6,000 more wounded. In addition, after effects suffered by fire and police personnel and civilians in the area have contributed to the deaths of thousands more.
Each year, to commemorate the loss of so many men and women, and to give thanks to those who rescued so many others, memorial services are held at Ground Zero in New York and at countless churches and halls across America.
Retired trauma nurse Deborah Dunlap introduced Brenda Brugger, a Rockton mother of two children and a stepson who served in the military. Brugger has coordinated a 9/11 Never Forget Tribute for the last three years. This year’s program was held at the American Legion Hall in Rockton.
“After my children returned safely, I started going to funerals of soldiers killed in war,” she said. “There were a lot of people who lost their loved ones that day. I realized how precious each day is. We showed the world our best.”
the Auburn High School ROTC Color Guard opened the program with the presentation of Colors. Pastor Dan Herman from Corner Stone Church said the opening prayer.
Master Sargent (Retired) Lany Wong led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Musical tributes were provided by Reggie Shepperd, JD Mason, Debbie Pounds and the Hononegah High School Chorale.
Rockton Legion Commander James Griffin called for a moment of silence in honor of those who fell and presented a time-line of the events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.
Most of the morning’s speakers addressed the question: “Where were you on 9/11?”
Illinois State Representator Maurice West, said he was a junior at Jefferson High School at the time. “What happened made me realize just how much I love my country, and how grateful I was to the First Responders.”
Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson recalled the sacrifices of families who lost their loved ones and encouraged those in attendance to count each day as a blessing.
Illinois Representative John Cabella said the events of 9/11 changed the course of history. “A simple way to remember is to put out a flag. “When you see a First Responder – a police officer, a firefighter, EMT – give them a thank you.”
Retired priest, Father William Wentink was an FBI Chaplin when 9/11 occurred. He was sent to a morgue in New York where he consoled and prayed with survivors who had lost their loved ones.
Rockton Fire Dept. Chief Kirk Wilson recalled how Americans became united after 9/11. “We must never forget what happened.”
Rockford Police Lt. Joel Givens was in the Air force at the time of the attack. He said he was proud of America and the way our Nation banded together.
South Beloit Mayor Ted Rehl encouraged everyone to thank First Responders for their service and echoed the words of Chief Wilson: “Always Remember, Never Forget.”
Veteran Kary Krebs led the audience in singing the Star-Spangled Banner. The program closed with the retrieval of Colors, followed by a 21 Gun Salute/Taps presented by American Legion Post 332 and VFW Post 2955. John Peterson played a rendition of Amazing grace on the Bagpipes.