Community pays respects to fallen heroes and others
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Flags were displayed along Chancery Street, were set at half mast at most public places and minutes of silence were observed. Police, firemen and other emergency personnel received a second wave of support from members of the public.
And as national television broadcast the names of almost 3,000 people killed in the attacks, news accounts recorded and retold the weight of the tragedy and as government officials issued a heightened security alert throughout the country, it was clear people would observe the first-ever Patriot Day differently.
“People don’t know what to do,” said Jerry Cooley, governor of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1725, after presenting a memorial book – an autographed photographic essay of fire halls in New York City just after the attacks – to members of McMinnville Fire Department. “You can’t stay out of work, but you want to get involved. People don’t know what to do with themselves.”
In McMinnville, it was obvious the memory of the attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania was still fresh even as residents went about their businesses, with many making true on the promise of never forgetting.
At McMinnville’s Tennessee Technology Center, a student-driven memorial and honorary service sought to tell McMinnville and Warren County’s emergency workers they were appreciated.
Students led a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance at the center’s flag pole – a common theme around the county – then shook hands with each of the emergency personnel in attendance, thanking them for their service.
“We started planning this about a week and a half ago in a student council meeting and started taking up donations, and it kind of went from there,” TTC student council member Pat McCormack said. “We did this to honor the police department, the firemen and the EMTs because we feel confident that if duty called, they would do the same for us that was done in New York, so we just wanted to honor them.”
Emergency workers didn’t how to respond as students applauded them upon their arrival. Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny said such attention isn’t always so prominent.
“It’s mighty sweet,” Matheny said as a crowd of about 30 firemen, police officers and other emergency workers gathered there. “It means a lot to us. We’re honored and humbled. It just blesses us that anybody would show us this much attention.”
At Warren County High School, members of ROTC presented a special flag ceremony, then lowered flags to half mast. Schools across the county made an effort to remember the significance of the day, while members of the fire department said it was business as usual with a hint of sadness in the air.
“If he’s a true, dedicated fireman, he will have a feeling about this day,” said MFD Capt. David Adams of most firefighters’ reactions. Adams was off duty Wednesday but nevertheless showed up for the book presentation.
“It’s a sad day that a tragedy like this happened and I feel for the families of the lost firemen. It’s a real tragedy and a sad day for me,” he added.
Shift Capt. Davis Bouldin offered similar thoughts and hoped for a better future. He thought about the special commitment of all firemen and women and said the attacks brought people closer together.
“It seems like New York was a long way off, but since last year, it doesn’t feel that far off anymore,” he said.
“I was surprised that people really thought the way they did about this. We appreciate what people are doing and that’s what we’re here for – to do whatever it takes,” Bouldin added. “If it takes us putting our lives on the line, that’s what we’re here for.”