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Just as we have never forgotten December 7, 1941, we can’t forget September 11, 2001.
As services were held throughout our nation, we too in Rutherford County remembered.
One of the special memorial services was held at 6 p.m. this past Sunday evening at Crestview Baptist Church in Forest City. It was a very impressive event. The entire program was patriotic and excellent.
Members of the church and guests in attendance were those who “didn’t want to forget.” The 40 voice choir under the direction of Dwayne Hunt filled the church with uplifting and patriotic songs. In just a few short minutes, they managed to capture the essence of the day - the combined total feelings and commitment of a nation and its’ people. The narration of Chuck Jones kept the flow of both words and songs in tandem and gave the theme of “We Shall Never Forget” meaningful moments.
As a nation we have always been very resilient. Our history embraces the coming together and we always remember our strength and freedom. The ceremony at Crestview embraced those feelings felt not only in America, but all over the world. In New York, the waters flowed in the new twin memorials where the towers once stood surrounded by all the names of those who died there 10 years ago. One thing we don’t hear much about, but is a tribute to the firefighters and police in Manhattan, is the fact that they saved 20,000 lives on that horrible day! Their determination and refusal to quit has resulted in many being sick from the air they could hardly breathe and endure.
As you sat in Crestview, this special tribute began embracing your thoughts, pictures and words you heard earlier from the news reports on television and read in the papers kept running through your mind. The pictures of September 11, 2001...the children of those who sacrificed their lives calling out the name of their lost parent...the somber tone of the bell ringing...the look on the faces surrounding the memorial, all made you realize what a great country we live in...how fortunate we are...and how we always come together as one. There is no country on earth that, in a final analysis, that can be our equal.
As the words flowed at Crestview “ ...we thank you for your service, your commitment and your prayers...we thank you for the freedom we have...and looking to the heavens...we know it is because of the blessings you, our God, have bestowed upon us.”
The entire program, in 61 minutes, joined in with every other memorial service world wide. This presentation made everyone come together and feel the unity and strength of every American with the pride of its’ people. Yes, “We shall never forget!” and we shall always remember: “One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Aren’t you glad you’re an American?
