Highland County reflects on Sept. 11 anniversary
Lead Summary
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
Ten years have passed since that tragic and fateful morning of September 11, 2001.
This afternoon, on the 10-year anniversary of the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than 900 counties across the United States participated in a commemoration and observance for the nearly 3,000 lives lost – and for the additional lives lost in combating the war on terrorism.
Highland County was one of 36 Ohio counties participating in the Sept. 11 Cry Out, America rally.
Shane Montgomery, pastor of the Grace Bible Church in Hillsboro, serves as the county coordinator, in conjunction with the Awakening America Alliance.
The alliance is a "cooperative initiative within the body of Christ to increase awareness of the deep spiritual need in today’s America and to pursue a new Christ awakening in our nation that will impact our world," according its website, www.awakeningamerica.us.
"This is a nonpartisan, nondenominational time of remembrance and prayer," Montgomery told the dozens of local residents in attendance at the Sept. 11, 2011 ceremony, held outside the Highland County Courthouse.
Montgomery said after the birth of his son, he and his wife discussed the need for a local Sept. 11 observance. In 2009, they started one.
"We didn't think people should just watch this on CNN," Montgomery said. "We felt there was a need for a local observance each year."
"We're proud to be citizens of the United States," he said. "Ours is a great nation, indeed; a nation worth fighting for and a nation worth dying for."
This year's ceremony began with assistance from the Highland County Honor Guard, which lowered the American flag outside the courthouse to half-staff and presented a 21-gun salute.
Alberta Duncan led the audience in the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," followed by the playing of "Taps."
The event was a mixture of prayer and patriotism, interspersed with the readings of the names of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. A number of guests assisted with the readings of the names, including Greenfield City Manager Betty Bishop and local clergy.
Pastor Montgomery read from the Second Book of Chronicles, Chapter 7, Verses 8-15, as follows:
Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.
And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.
And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.
And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
At 1 p.m., the Hillsboro Fire Department and Hillsboro Police Department sounded sirens timed with a balloon launch in memory of those who will "never be forgotten."
"Our time here today is not a celebration," Montgomery said, "but a time for reflection."
Montgomery then read a "citizen's proclamation," in which he vowed that "September 11 will never be 'just another day.'
"We shall observe on this day, a day of voluntary service and a day of remembrance and prayer. I encourage you to invite your friends to join us next year."
Gary Abernathy spoke on behalf of Sen. Rob Portman, whose office submitted the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks: “A decade has passed, but the memories of those lost remains strong. September 11 is a time to remember the many Americans who showed extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity: the firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, and everyday citizens who stepped forward and risked their lives for others.
"Many of us know someone affected directly by the cowardly terrorist attacks 10 years ago, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who mourn the loss of loved ones," the senator said.
Montgomery also recognized Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, who has attended each of the local Sept. 11 observances.
The mayor, who will be leaving office at the end of this year, after eight years as mayor and many more as a member of Hillsboro City Council, was thanked for his service and presented with a certificate in acknowledgment of his dedicated public service.
Pastor Montgomery concluded the reading of the names of Sept. 11 victims at 4:30 p.m., more than two hours after the conclusion of Sunday's ceremony.
* * *
Special ceremonies were held in all 50 states in remembrance of Sept. 11. As The New York Times reported today: "The ceremony at Ground Zero brought together the officials who were in office 10 years ago — President George W. Bush, Gov. George E. Pataki of New York, Gov. Donald T. DiFrancesco of New Jersey and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani — with their successors: President Obama, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who said that the attacks had turned “a perfect blue-sky morning” into “the blackest of nights.”
President Obama commended the nation's Armed Forces and first responders on the anniversary.
"In the difficult decade since Sept. 11, our nation has stayed strong in the face of threat, and we have strengthened our homeland security, enhanced our partnerships, and put al Qaeda on the path to defeat," President Obama said. "As we look to the future, we will continue to prove that the terrorists who attacked us are no match for the courage, resilience, and endurance of the American people.
"This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. We’re remembering the lives we lost — nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children.
"We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families. We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives — and gave their lives — to save others. And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families — our extraordinary 9/11 Generation."[[In-content Ad]]
This afternoon, on the 10-year anniversary of the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than 900 counties across the United States participated in a commemoration and observance for the nearly 3,000 lives lost – and for the additional lives lost in combating the war on terrorism.
Highland County was one of 36 Ohio counties participating in the Sept. 11 Cry Out, America rally.
Shane Montgomery, pastor of the Grace Bible Church in Hillsboro, serves as the county coordinator, in conjunction with the Awakening America Alliance.
The alliance is a "cooperative initiative within the body of Christ to increase awareness of the deep spiritual need in today’s America and to pursue a new Christ awakening in our nation that will impact our world," according its website, www.awakeningamerica.us.
"This is a nonpartisan, nondenominational time of remembrance and prayer," Montgomery told the dozens of local residents in attendance at the Sept. 11, 2011 ceremony, held outside the Highland County Courthouse.
Montgomery said after the birth of his son, he and his wife discussed the need for a local Sept. 11 observance. In 2009, they started one.
"We didn't think people should just watch this on CNN," Montgomery said. "We felt there was a need for a local observance each year."
"We're proud to be citizens of the United States," he said. "Ours is a great nation, indeed; a nation worth fighting for and a nation worth dying for."
This year's ceremony began with assistance from the Highland County Honor Guard, which lowered the American flag outside the courthouse to half-staff and presented a 21-gun salute.
Alberta Duncan led the audience in the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," followed by the playing of "Taps."
The event was a mixture of prayer and patriotism, interspersed with the readings of the names of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. A number of guests assisted with the readings of the names, including Greenfield City Manager Betty Bishop and local clergy.
Pastor Montgomery read from the Second Book of Chronicles, Chapter 7, Verses 8-15, as follows:
Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.
And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.
And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.
And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
At 1 p.m., the Hillsboro Fire Department and Hillsboro Police Department sounded sirens timed with a balloon launch in memory of those who will "never be forgotten."
"Our time here today is not a celebration," Montgomery said, "but a time for reflection."
Montgomery then read a "citizen's proclamation," in which he vowed that "September 11 will never be 'just another day.'
"We shall observe on this day, a day of voluntary service and a day of remembrance and prayer. I encourage you to invite your friends to join us next year."
Gary Abernathy spoke on behalf of Sen. Rob Portman, whose office submitted the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks: “A decade has passed, but the memories of those lost remains strong. September 11 is a time to remember the many Americans who showed extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity: the firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, and everyday citizens who stepped forward and risked their lives for others.
"Many of us know someone affected directly by the cowardly terrorist attacks 10 years ago, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who mourn the loss of loved ones," the senator said.
Montgomery also recognized Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, who has attended each of the local Sept. 11 observances.
The mayor, who will be leaving office at the end of this year, after eight years as mayor and many more as a member of Hillsboro City Council, was thanked for his service and presented with a certificate in acknowledgment of his dedicated public service.
Pastor Montgomery concluded the reading of the names of Sept. 11 victims at 4:30 p.m., more than two hours after the conclusion of Sunday's ceremony.
* * *
Special ceremonies were held in all 50 states in remembrance of Sept. 11. As The New York Times reported today: "The ceremony at Ground Zero brought together the officials who were in office 10 years ago — President George W. Bush, Gov. George E. Pataki of New York, Gov. Donald T. DiFrancesco of New Jersey and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani — with their successors: President Obama, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who said that the attacks had turned “a perfect blue-sky morning” into “the blackest of nights.”
President Obama commended the nation's Armed Forces and first responders on the anniversary.
"In the difficult decade since Sept. 11, our nation has stayed strong in the face of threat, and we have strengthened our homeland security, enhanced our partnerships, and put al Qaeda on the path to defeat," President Obama said. "As we look to the future, we will continue to prove that the terrorists who attacked us are no match for the courage, resilience, and endurance of the American people.
"This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. We’re remembering the lives we lost — nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children.
"We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families. We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives — and gave their lives — to save others. And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families — our extraordinary 9/11 Generation."[[In-content Ad]]