| For the second consecutive year, Greater Akron
marked the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, with public ceremonies in
downtown Akron. |
9-11, A Commemoration in Words and Music was held Thursday, September 11, from 12
noon to 1 pm at St. Bernard's Church, at Broadway and University Avenue. The City of Akron
and the Greater Akron Remembrance Coalition sponsored the event. The focus of the commemoration was to remember the events and
victims of September 11th, to honor those who dedicate their lives in service
to others including soldiers and domestic safety forces and to express the
community’s unity and hope for the future.
The Summit Choral Society under the |
|
| direction of Frank C. Jacobs performed music.
The Summit Society's Masterworks Chorale, Summit Children's Choir Program Advanced
Ensemble and soloist Leslie Parker-Barnes were featured during the program. |
A variety of readings were featured during the observance
including passages from the Bible and the Koran; inspirational speeches by Abraham
Lincoln, General Douglas McArthur, and Martin Luther King, Jr.; a poem written and read by
14-year-old Mogadore resident Christine Morrison, and a dramatic reading of personal
accounts written by individuals who lived through and witnessed the horrific events of
September 11th, 2001.
St. Bernard's Pastor Fr. Paul Schindler hosted the event. Individuals who read during
the commemoration included Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, University of Akron President Dr.
Luis Proenza, WAKR morning host Ray Horner, Akron Beacon Journal writer Elaine Guregian,
Akron Police Chief Michael Matulavich, retired Akron Fire Chief Tom Alexander, Akron
Municipal Judge Carla Moore, International Institute Executive Director Maxine Floreani,
Akron Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sylvester Small, Lisa Mansfield, wife of TV23
anchorman Eric Mansfield, who is currently on assignment in the Iraqi conflict, and Akron
Beacon Journal columnist David Giffels.
The Greater Akron Remembrance Coalition was formed in 2002 to produce the area's
September 11th commemorations, and earlier this year presented the Korean War
Commemoration Ceremony. Founding members include the City of Akron, the University of
Akron, the United Way of Summit County, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross -
Summit County Chapter, the Downtown Akron Partnership, The Akron Beacon Journal,
FirstMerit Bank, and WAKR/WONE/WQMX.
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