The sun shone brightly in Morgan Hill Saturday morning, pointing
out the solemn connections between strangers and focusing on how
human nature changed after Sept. 11, 2001. On Saturday, communities
large and small across America, including Morgan Hill, held
ceremonies to commemorate local heroes, those who lost their lives
on Sept. 11 and the military troops fighting overseas. No one knew
then that the week would end with 23 U.S. soldiers
’ names added to the list of the dead, which had reached 1,009
on Friday.
The sun shone brightly in Morgan Hill Saturday morning, pointing out the solemn connections between strangers and focusing on how human nature changed after Sept. 11, 2001.
On Saturday, communities large and small across America, including Morgan Hill, held ceremonies to commemorate local heroes, those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and the military troops fighting overseas.
No one knew then that the week would end with 23 U.S. soldiers’ names added to the list of the dead, which had reached 1,009 on Friday.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 711 greeted Morgan Hill residents, police, firefighters, veterans and families as they gathered at the Community and Cultural Center Amphitheater.
Flags flew at half-staff in Morgan Hill and across the country
Sitting among the crowd of about 50, veteran Alfonso O. Chavez, 69, said he attended this event and likes attending events honoring the military because it reminds him of the experiences and problems he endured while stationed in Vietnam.
“Most people tend to focus on the lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. More people need to acknowledge that a lot of people died in the twin towers even if they were not relatives,” said Chavez.
Symbols of America heightened the ceremony, as firefighters wearing impressive uniforms paraded the flags of the United States and California. The crowd stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
After everyone heard Audrey Kavanaugh sing the Star Spangled Banner, Mayor Dennis Kennedy thanked the emergency responders (police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians) for protecting Morgan Hill residents every day.
Kennedy said emergency responders must be recognized as individuals and because of them, “we may live in safety and security.”
He reminded the crowd of the shallow acts of terrorism and how Americans became more united after the tragedy.
“This act brought neighbors together rather than in division,” said Kennedy. “The acts of terrorism awaken in us how vulnerable we are.”
Inflating his bagpipes, Jeff Campbell keened “Going Home” from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” – somber sounds for a somber occasion.
A moment of silence followed while everyone faced a flag flying overhead from a 75-foot ladder fire engine.
Kennedy introduced Ben Lopes, Santa Clara County Fire Department fire chief; Bruce Cumming, Morgan Hill interim police chief; Tim Main, a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry, and Lt. Dale Unger, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office. Each gave his perspective on being a first responder.
Alex Kennett, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce interim director and a retired U.S. Army colonel, followed with the keynote speech.
Every speaker evoked the memory of sacrifice by police and firefighters and honored those who lost their lives in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Lopes had looked up “patriotism” on the Internet and found that any selfless act directed toward our nation is a reason to honor Patriot Day.
“We need to remember our military,” said Main.
“This event helps to restore my faith in humanity,” said Karen Luke, who along with her husband, Gary, and their sons Brady, 4 and Ryan, 2, wore red, white and blue.
Karen said it was very important for them to come out to pay tribute to all who lost their lives that day.
“You have to do something to reflect this day in history, it’s a seminal moment,” said Gary.
Brady and Ryan carried flags and wore T-shirts reflecting their parents’ political party as they played in the splash fountain near the Children’s Pavilion.
Kennett asked, “Who can’t remember where they were when the twin towers were hit?”
Thomas Blas, 8, said he remembers watching the events unfold on television.
At the end of the ceremony, Jimmy Hill from Bay Area Doves released a flock as a symbol of peace. The white birds circled the amphitheater several times in ever-increasing circles, finally casting their shadows over the audience before heading off for home.
“When you think about freedom, think about how good we have it,” said Cumming.
Campbell brought tears to many eyes as he ended the program with the poignant, haunting tune, “Amazing Grace” almost always piped at police and firefighter funeral, most appropriate for Patriot Day.
Lisa Lewis of the City Clerk’s office organized this event with help from Mary Ellen Salzano.
For details or to comment on future Patriot Day events, contact www.morganhill.ca.gov
