Sam Felton
Marlinton Mayor
Patriot Day stands as a stark reminder of the most horrific and senseless act of pure evil, ever committed on United States soil. Patriot Day should remind us of the lives lost that day and the others that had their lives shortened as a result of the after-effects.
Patriot Day commemorates the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania.
The day should remind us of a younger generation that does not remember that day. Anyone born since the turn of this century does not remember how it felt to those of us living at that time. The events of 9/11 were so staggering it was hard to take in, yet we can tell you where we were when we first heard the news.
Patriot Day remembrance must continue for the youth of our day to know of the resilience and unity that emerged from the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Do you remember our Congressional representatives coming outside to the capitol steps and singing God Bless America?
I do.
Isn’t it a shame that we don’t see such unity of Republicans and Democrats coming together again today.
There is a reason our motto is: United We Stand. By engaging in official commemorations, we can all play a vital role in honoring the lives of the more than 2,900 people who lost their lives that day, including 343 firemen, 23 New York Police Department officers, and 37 port-authority officers,who ran into the twin towers while others were running out.
The Town of Marlinton, Pocahontas County Honor Corps and Marlinton Fire Department invite you to attend this annual ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday, September 11, at the Main Street Gazebo Park, to express our sincere thoughts for all those lost, and prayers for the family members left behind.
By this ceremony, we can exhibit a grateful appreciation for those who continue to serve and show solidarity with the brave military personnel and all first responders who selflessly gave their lives following 9/11 and the 20+ years of war that followed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
May God bless America.