Patriot Day service scheduled
Note: This observance should not be confused with Patriot’s Day (or Patriots’ Day) that commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, two of the earliest battles in the American Revolutionary War fought near Boston in 1775. This day is annually held the third Monday of April. There is no (s) in the 9/11 Patriot Day.
While our nation prepares to remember the events that took place a decade ago many young Americans today may have difficulty relating to the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
We recently heard President Obama officially ended our nation’s longest war, which began shortly after the terrorist attacks using American commercial airplanes in New York City, Washington, D.C., and nearby Shanksville, Pa.
Historical accounts remind young Americans of the two devastating terrorist attacks on our nation that destroyed the Twin Towers, the heart of our nation’s financial system, in New York City and the vast loss of innocent lives. History also reminds us of the destruction at the Pentagon shortly thereafter, the heart of our national defense and the lives lost in that attack as well.
The events today concerning the near completion of Phase One of the Flight 93 Memorial in neighboring Somerset County at Shanksville are a constant reminder of acts of patriotism, when civilians aboard Flight 93 saved our nation’s capital, overpowering the fourth terrorist occupied plane causing it to crash in a field in that rural community.
We must continuously remind ourselves of the heroic actions aboard Flight 93 as well as the heroic acts by countless civilians, law enforcement, E.M.S. and firelighters who equally paid the ultimate sacrifice on that horrific day.
Patriot Day, Sept. 11, 2011 is held in memory of those brave and unselfish men and women, the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were cut short that day during these terrorist attacks.
On this 10th anniversary of that day of infamy our nation will pause in observance to remember the devastation and acts of heroism that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Communities across our nation will conduct ceremonies or programs sponsored by various political, religious, civic and veteran organizations.
Connellsville’s event will be conducted by the Connellsville Veterans Commission and will be held at Veteran’s Plaza, Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
The American Legion Post 301 invites you to attend this program and to display the American flag at home and place of business. May God continue his blessings on America and those that continue defending our freedom and protecting our lives and property.
Dennis McKendry is a life member and 24th district deputy commander of American Legion Post 301 in Connellsville.