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remember this important day. At this very moment, ceremonies like this are taking place
all over America, and the energy that is generated by all of us coming together and
expressing a common cause is as powerful a gesture that we as a nation can hold up to the
rest of the world, that we are the UNITED States of America.
The American Flag should remind us that we are at our best when we don't think of
ourselves as Black or white, Christian, Jew, or Muslim - - but that we are Americans
first.
That's what we saw a year ago when we all joined together as Americans to respond to
the terrorist attack.
We cannot forget what happened. We cannot forget the great sacrifice made by those who
responded to the disasters in New York and Washington. We cannot forget those brave
passengers aboard Flight 93 who turned a potential attack on another American landmark
into a victory for the American spirit.
We are called to remember the lives lost on September 11, but also the lives which are
still being invested in the cause of liberty. Today, in a special way, we need to remember
the young men and women of greater Akron who are serving their country overseas.
So, with that spirit in mind, I want to invite these fifth graders from St. Vincent
Elementary School to join me in the expression that is being repeated a million times
today in every city and in every state. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to our
flag.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation,
Under God, Indivisible,
With Liberty and justice for all.
Thank you.
And now, also with us today is the Summit County Council of the American Legion. Their
commissioner is Laura Dunlop, who has a special presentation to make to the people of
Akron. Laura?
Mayor accepts Blue Star Flag on behalf of every family who
has a son or daughter in the military.
I want to invite all who are listening to join us at noon
today at St. Bernard's church for a multi-faith service of Remembrance.
And now, I would invite the members of the American Legion who are here today to honor
our heroes with the proud tradition of a 21-gun salute.
Fire Station Ceremony
Chief Gladman, thank you for hosting us today.
To Chief Matulavich, and all of the members of Akron's safety forces, I
want to express the gratitude of our City for what you do every day.
When the World Trade Center was struck last year, we all understood the
job of the police, fire, and safety forces:
to run IN to buildings, when everyone else is running OUT.
And that's the job of these men standing here today.
Today, we are obliged to remember the enormity of that tragedy:
The 40 people who died on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.
The 59 passengers who were on flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon.
The 60 people who died on Flight 175, and the 87 people on flight 11
which hit the twin towers.
And the 2,654 people who lost their lives at the World Trade Center.
And among them - - were 470 firefighters, police officers, and EMS
workers.
We are called upon to remember. We are called upon to give back our own
service in their memory. We are called upon to value the service of each firefighter and
each police officer who offer their lives to the community every single day.
In that spirit, let me ask Pastors Ron Fowler of the Arlington Church
of God and Knute Larson of the Chapel to share with us their thoughts on this anniversary.
They are accompanied by other pastors from around the city who make up a regular prayer
group called "Love Akron". We appreciate the presence of all of these ministers
here today.
...
Thank you Pastor Larson and Pastor Fowler.
Let me ask Chief Michael Matulavich of the Akron Police Department to
share his thoughts with us:
...
(Siren and Bells)
(One minute of silence)
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for being
with us today. Please join us at noon at St. Bernard's Church for a multi faith
remembrance event.
St. Bernard's Church Multi Faith Remembrance
Good Afternoon, and please remain standing.
We join together today, not as Christian, Jew, or Muslim. Not as Catholic or Orthodox,
not as Democrats or Republicans, not as Black or White, but as people of one nation.
Today, Americans are united in our desire to remember the events of one year ago.
My thanks to the University of Akron Army ROTC for presenting the colors of our nation,
state, and city today. Please join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation,
Under God, Indivisible,
With Liberty and justice for all.
Thank you, and be seated.
Early this morning, we began our day with a ceremony in downtown Akron with a group of
fifth graders who recited that pledge with me, and I reminded them that this act - -
repeated a million times today around our country - - is a powerful gesture, that
generates great energy among us as people of one nation.
There is one other flag here today. It is a Blue Star Flag presented to
me this morning by the Summit County posts of the American Legion. I will hang this one in
city hall, much as families did in the two big wars of the last century, as a reminder
that some men and women from our community are not among us. They serve us in the
military, often exposed to great danger.
This afternoon, let me greet a special group of people whom I've
invited to be with us. They are members of Family and Friends Connected, the Military
Support Group, whose children, brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers are serving in the
U.S. Armed Forces during the present war on terrorism.
Let me ask this group to rise, while I tell you that we want you to
know how much our community appreciates the sacrifice of your loved ones, and the
sacrifice you are making, too. Would you join me now in acknowledging the value of their
service?
Thank you. Today, the message we have asked our clergy and musicians to bring to us is
the power of Transformation: Finding hope from struggle.
Our Vocalist is Corina Gaffney.
Every day throughout the inner city of Akron, people are finding peace at OPEN M
ministries, a work supported by many churches throughout greater Akron. Its resident
missionary is The Reverend Dr. Timothy J. Crouch
We are blessed as a community by men and women of great
faith who share it with the larger community whenever asked. Rabbi David Lipper arrived in
Akron,just over a year ago, but has made a difference at Temple Israel, and throughout the
community.
Bishop Pilla has talked about creating a Church in The City. Our host church today, St.
Bernard’s has done a magnificent job not only of restoring this beautiful edifice,
but creating strong ties with our downtown community. My thanks to Father Paul Schindler,
our host today. The community outreach by the Diocese is also being carried out by the
pastor of St. Vincent Catholic Church, Father Joseph Kraker, (CROCK-er).
Our Churches hold our neighborhoods together. Nowhere is that more evident than in East
Akron. The Reverend Dianna Swoope, Associate Pastor, of the Arlington Church of God
directs many of the ministries that touch people’s lives in her neighborhood.
Our people in Akron have come from all over the world to build our community. We value
the ethnic heritage carried on over generations by religious congregations like the
Orthodox Community of Akron. Today they are represented by Father Jerry Hall, Pastor, of
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
A year ago, some Americans were attempted to seek blame for the terrorist attacks by
unfairly accusing a single religious group. Today, we in Akron stand proud with our
Islamic community who have joined with other civic and religious groups to become one. The
president of the Muslim Association of Greater Akron is Dr. Isham Haque.
For the past 15 years, we have been well-served in our nation’s capitol by Tom
Sawyer. He has given his entire professional career to the service of greater Akron: in
the legislature, as mayor of Akron, and now as our congressman.
Ladies and gentlemen, we will conclude our service
today with a vocal selection performed by Carla Davis, whose wonderful voice has blended
with others in the group which has brought great credit to Akron around the nation,
"Divine Hope"
Now, please stand for our recessional, and remain standing
until our flags have been removed from the Church. The Salvation Army of Akron invites you
to take a box lunch from their canteen in front of the church. |
