by Bea Peterson
Ceremonies commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 9/11, were held in Hoosick Falls Sunday evening. Close to 200 people gathered at the Hoosick Falls Firehouse for the candlelight walk that began with prayers for healing, peace and understanding expressed by members of the Hoosick Area Church Association clergy. After the prayers firefighters rang the old firehouse bell four times in memory of the four attack sites.
Walkers of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly, were led by a police cruiser and members of the Hoosick Falls Fire Department and followed by fire trucks with flashing lights. The light from the candles was barely visible as the sun began to set. However, that light was quite visible by the time the walkers paused on Elm St. to let a train pass. At the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad building the walkers were joined by another hundred people for ceremonies there.
Keynote speaker Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote gave the timeline of the events that transpired on 9/ll, a day, he said, when the lives of every American was changed. He said it was the worst day in our history and yet, at the same time, our finest hours. He asked everyone to remember and honor the selfless service men and women in our community and in our country and to show our pride by flying our flag. He concluded, “we shall never forget, never forget.”
Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell reminded everyone that Congress has designated September 11 as Patriot Day, a day on which all flags should be flown at half staff.
All the speakers offered inspirational thoughts on living life well and bravely. It’s not necessary to be a hero, just kind and thoughtful to others.
The speeches were interspersed with music from the Hoosick Falls Community Band. Several patriotic songs were played including the very moving Flight of Valor written by James Swearingen as a memorial for the victims of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Someone remarked “We wish we didn’t have to be here.” All of us wish 9/ll never happened, but it did and it changed this country and the world. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, calling upon Americans to make an enduring commitment to serve their community and our Nation.