It has been three years since that horrific day in September
2001. Morgan Hill continues to remember those who lost their lives
and those who continue to serve.
It has been three years since that horrific day in September 2001. Morgan Hill continues to remember those who lost their lives and those who continue to serve.
Residents of all ages are invited to the third Patriot Day Ceremony Saturday morning at the city amphitheater. Patriot Day organizer Mary Ellen Salzano wants to see a larger crowd than in past years.
“It would be my hope that more people will step forward to honor those who put their lives on the line for us every day,” Salzano said, noting that this year’s observance takes place on a weekend.
The event will include an honor guard from Santa Clara County Fire Department, a bell-ringing tribute to firefighters killed in action called “Last Alarm,” and speakers from all police and fire agencies and the state Department of Forestry.
New to this year’s ceremony is a bagpiper playing “Going Home” and “Amazing Grace,” both traditional tunes honoring fallen police officers and firefighters. The ceremony will conclude with a release of doves.
Interim Chief of Police Bruce Cumming said Friday he hopes people recognize the work police, firefighters and paramedics do for them.
“When you call 911, somebody answers – always – and somebody comes – always,” Cumming said about first responders.
There will be a display of emergency vehicles including the eye-popping hook and ladder truck anchoring an American flag way up in the air.
In past years the lines of police, sheriff’s deputies and firefighters lined up in full uniform were an awe-inspiring backdrop to touching words from speakers who had been on the front lines themselves. Salzano encourages parents to bring their children so they can better understand what adults now know about how life in the United States has changed since Sept. 11, 2001.
Mayor Dennis Kennedy and Alex Kennett, interim director of the Chamber of Commerce and a retired U.S. Army colonel will also speak briefly. Kennett will talk about how we remember where we were when something frightful or momentous happened, and will emphasize the meaning of freedom.
Local soprano Audrey Cavanaugh will sing the National Anthem.
Morgan Hill teen Mark Johanson and Salzano will be on hand with large, empty barrels, hoping to collect items to send to troops in Iraq. Salzano’s son Ethan is serving there with the U.S. Marines. This is Johanson’s Eagle Scout project.
Suggested items: small hand sanitizers, Lever 2000 body wipes, bungee cords, zip ties, Mock 3 Turbo Gillette razorblades, travel games, cards, dominos and puzzles, new or used DVDs, small hygiene items (no aerosol) – shampoo, conditioner, eye drops, sunscreen, lipbalm, foot powders, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, stationery, blank greeting cards, batteries of all kinds, small canned meats, stews, chilis, cans of fruit – all with pop tops – hacky sacks, stress balls, comic and paperback books.
The large, yellow magnetic car ribbons that say “Support our Troops” will also be available.
Patriot Day, today, Sept. 11, 10-11 a.m. at the Community Center Amphitheater, Monterey Road at East Dunne Avenue. Details: morganhill.ca.gov/
Carol Holzgrafe covers City Hall for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at ch********@mo*************.com or phoning (408) 779-4106 Ext. 201.
