9-11: Lest we never forget

Nine years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, a cadre of 19 al-Qaida terrorists coordinated the hijacking of four airlines, intentionally crashing them into the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon. A fourth plane was supposed to target the Capitol.

Who in America or the world could forget the horrifying television footage of the World Trade Center collapse; the jetliner attack on the Pentagon and the brave rescuers who died trying to save the victims?

The official death toll was 2,977, not including the hijackers.

This weekend, several memorial services for the ninth anniversary of 9-11 will be held.

At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, American Legion Lake Placid Post 25 and Heron's Garden restaurant will host a 911 "Never Forget" event at the Post's facility, located at 1490 U.S. 27 N., Lake Placid.

The formal service will begin at 9 a.m. with the raising of the colors by Past Cmdr. Mack Carroll, of the American Legion Post, accompanied by the American Legion's honor guard.

"We want everybody to never forget...," said Caroll. "People nowadays have a tendency to forget things."

Then things will move inside. Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eileen May will emcee. State Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

There will be a musical interlude of patriotic music, including the national anthem being sung by Marti Capodiferro.

Lake Placid Police Chief Phil Williams said he plans to attend, adding that members of local fire departments, EMS and law enforcement will also be there.

"It would be really neat to see some citizens turn out...," he said.

Sheriff Susan Benton said Thursday she will be there as well with some of her on-duty deputies.

Carroll said along with the rescue folks there will be a lot of veterans groups represented. The Boy Scouts Venture Crew 899 will be outside parking and helping with traffic.

Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served at 8:30 a.m.

What's changed?

Clint and Lidia Preble were in the Lakeshore Mall food court Thursday sipping two small cups of Barnies Coffee and Tea Company. Clint Preble is retired from the U.S. Army and said he met his wife in Italy during World War II.

"I was home," said Lidia Preble. "I saw it on TV and I couldn't believe it."

Clint Preble wasn't sure where he was that day, until Lidia reminded him. She said he was outside working in the garden.

"Half the nation has forgotten it and half of the nation thinks it's a cause they believe in, that people should be punished," he said. "Nine years later, kids today, grownups don't know there was a war in Korea, a war in Vietnam. If it didn't touch them then so be it."

He felt for the people in the countries we will eventually leave.

"The day we leave Iraq, the day we leave Afghanistan, they will be right back where it was 50 years ago."

"Think of those poor guys who get killed there everyday," she said.

George Frey, of Sebring, is a cashier at Barnies, but on 911 he was a career man in the U.S. Navy.

"I was stationed up in Washington, D.C., at the time," he said, and added he worked in the Executive Office on the White House grounds. "Part of my job was monitoring the TV channels...

"I thought someone had put on the movie channel when we saw the plane fly into the twin towers and everything."

They were evacuated into the mall, he said. He was never sent underground. That's a different level of security clearance, he said.

The sense of security was better before this happened. People know now that it can happen, he said. But he thought people were becoming complacent again.

9-11 observances

American Legion Post 25-Heron's Garden
At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, American Legion Lake Placid Post 25 and Heron's Garden restaurant will host a 911 "Never Forget" event at 1490 U.S. 27 N., Lake Placid.
The formal service will begin at 9 a.m. with the raising of the colors by Past Cmdr. Mack Carroll, of the American Legion Post, accompanied by the American Legion's honor guard.
The flag raising will be accompanied by an indoor musical event and a keynote speaker.

First responders appreciation barbecue
In honor of first responders who continually meet the needs of the community, the Palms of Sebring has invited first responders and their families as well as the public to join them in showing appreciation for their service.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside near the corner of Oak and Pine streets. Just look for the bounce house. The Palms is located at 725 S. Pine St. in Sebring.
There will be food, fellowship and family fun time.
Any organization or church group is welcome to come, set up a booth, have games for the kids, etc.

Tea Party holding rally for 9-11 victims
The Highlands Tea Party will hold a rally from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 12 to honor all 9/11 victims. The rally be held at the Florida Fireman's Association Building, 2450 U.S. 27 S. in Avon Park.