September 11 Remembrance & Tribute

Wall of Prayer first erected on September 15, 2001

The September 11 attacks (often referred to as 9/11) were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Qaeda upon the United States on September 11, 2001. On that morning, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners. The hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the buildings. Both buildings collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging others. The hijackers crashed a third airliner into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania, after some of its passengers and flight crew attempted to retake control of the plane, which the hijackers had redirected toward Washington, D.C. There were no survivors from any of the flights.  2,974 victims died in the attacks. The overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 90 different countries.

2007: In 2007 the Village of Central Square held a ceremony not only to remember the victims of 9/11 but to honor the local men and women who volunteer in our area and serve in the military.  Special guest speaker was Judy Habib who spoke about the first hand effect terrorism has had on her life.  The American Legion, a bagpiper, local ministers, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, firefighters, ambulance and police officers came together at Goettel Community Park.  The Wall of Prayer which was originally erected on September 15, 2001 was reassembled and on display.  Probably one of the most stunning sights was the 2,974 small American flags surrounding a wooden cross where local veterans stood watch.     

2008: In 2008 the village again held a ceremony to remember the victims of 9/11 and to honor our local volunteers. Denise Porter sang the National Anthem and special guest speaker was Eric Pitman who lost his son in the attacks. Special recognition was also given to Captain Philip Dykeman who passed away while serving his country and his family was present. Avery Head ended the evening by playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes in front of the prayer wall and newly added 9/11Wall. The 9/11 Wall lists the names of the 2,974 victims of 9/11 and photos of some of them are on the border of the display.

Nation Of Survivors
by Jack Foshee
In the bright September morning without warning to us all
A few thousand lives were shattered and we watched two buildings fall
And a billion souls felt empty, and the flags at half-mast fly
In the memory of the innocent which didn't have to die

We've lost brothers, sisters, cousins. We've lost family and friends
But we've made the choice not to forget their lives and tragic ends
Though we've had our share of troubles we have put them all aside
As a nation grieves we find ourselves defending them with pride

We're a nation of survivors, with one heart we share a tear
But we live to serve the memory, not giving in to fear.
Though they try to take security with the things they've done and said
All their acts of inhumanity bring unity instead.
So we stand here as a family. One heart, one soul, one voice.
We are challenged by this moment, and united here by choice.

-- Jack Foshee Jr, 9/12/2001