DH and I headed out this morning in the rain that kept falling…until we got to Eastlake…right behind a group of bikes headed for the ceremony. It was sponsored by Western Reserve Harley-Davidson.
Eastlake’s Boulevard of 500 Flags
honoring…everyday…the veterans from the Eastlake area. (I can’t
describe the rush of emotion that came over me at the sight of all
those flags.)
The ceremony began with Rev. Rich Bartley, Blue Knights Chaplain giving the invocation. Jim Mantel of WGAR and Monica Robins of WKYC
were there. Monica sang the National Anthem…goosebumps! Speakers were
Robbie Senatore from the New York City Fire Department who lost 343 of
his fellow firefighters on 9/11, Detective Andy Ezzo of the Cleveland
Police Department and Bob Smith whose son, Colin was seriously injured
in Iraq. Sadly, the sound system left a lot to be desired and it was
difficult to hear most of the speakers. The ceremony concluded with a
21 gun salute to all of our fallen heroes. Amazing Grace was played by
the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.
While standing at the memorial… part of which is two beams from the
Trade Center… I overheard this Mom explaining to her three little boys
the meaning of the twisted pieces of metal they were looking at, and
why they had come to this place full of motorcycles this morning. It
brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of the man explaining to his
little girl at the WWII Memorial what the field of stars represented.
One thing I did hear clearly from the stage was a reminder that
while many of us will stop and thank someone in military service…we
seldom thank those on the frontlines here at home…our Police Officers
and Firefighters. They too serve, are volunteers and leave home not
knowing what awaits them in the course of their duty. We need to
remember them and thank them.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
It’s hard to believe it’s been 7 years. And…I think there are
those that have forgotten..or at least…who have not given much thought
to that terrible day and what it represents. It is much easier not to
think about it…not to look at the photographs and the videos. But we
need to. Because as cliche as it may be, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Thank You…all who serve…military and civilian.
*With a little luck, there may be video to come…we’ll see!