Wawasee American Legion Post 223 Honor Guard took part in a ceremony remembering 9/11. Photo by David Hazledine

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Wawasee American Legion Post 223 held a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11 in Syracuse commemorating Patriots Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Following the singing of the National Anthem by Sons of American Legion’s Jonathon Piercy and an introductory prayer by Post Chaplain Carolyn Gunder, Post Commander Mark Davis read from the American Legion Department of Indiana’s recognition of Patriots Day made May 8, 2002. 9/11, he said, resulted in an “uncertainty woven into all threads of society … we will never forget those innocent victims … their memories do not fade.”

Included in the ceremony were emergency responders who recited the police, firefighters and EMS prayers in honor of the many responders who lost their lives on 9/11: Deputy Marshall Matthew Carter, Milford Police Department; Captain Quinn Hunter, Turkey Creek Fire Territory; Battalion Chief Brian Richcreek,Turkey Creek Fire Territory.

After the reading of prayers, a wreath was placed and a bell rung three times in honor of firefighters who died, followed by Piercy’s reading of a 9/11 poem, which began, “The day was cool and clear/ All was peaceful…”

Balloons were then released in memory of the more than 3,000 people who died, followed by a 21-gun salute by the Post 223 Honor Guard, a performance of Taps and Scott Abbs’ rendition of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

Members of Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Milford Police Department were on hand to honor emergency responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by David Hazledine.