Published: September 11, 2009 10:13 pm      

Day of remembrance

Number of people gather for Monticello’s commemorative service

MONTICELLO — It was a day of remembrance and a day to honor those who have given their lives while serving the country and those in area communities.

Over 100 people gathered for a commemorative service and nationwide prayer gathering to remember Sept. 11, 2001, and to pray for the spiritual condition of the nation on Friday afternoon at the White County Gazebo.

It was the first year Monticello joined with a nationwide organization known as Cry Out America to organize the service.

In the past, Mayor Jason A. Thompson said it is important to continue the event each year.

“I think it is important to keep refreshing it in people’s minds and why we do what we do,” he said.

White County Cry Out America organizer Christine Jernagan said over 700 counties were expected to participate in a similar event across the nation, double the number of 2008 events.

It was Jernagan’s first year of involvement and she said it was something that, in her heart, she felt the need to become involved with.

The service included prayer, music and the recognition of military and hometown heroes.

Prayers were offered for those who lost their lives, not only on Sept. 11, but others who lost their lives from Indiana while serving in the line of duty. Others took turn praying for the state of Indiana, the nation, all members of government, and those struggling over current economic hardships.

A firefighters’ prayer was read by Monticello Fire Chief Shane Swaim and Assistant Chief Mike Ott explained the “Tolling of the Bell.” Once he rang a bell three times set up on stage next to him, he told attendees those who lost their lives are finally going home.

Corey Nolan played “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes and the crowd began to sing once he completed playing his part.

The ceremony closed with a firing salute by the Monticello Veteran Honor Guard, followed by students from Twin Lakes High School playing “Taps.”

For attendees Leslie Goss, Janice Madden and Ellen Bartlett, the ceremony meant something special.

It was Madden’s first time attending the event, but she said her husband served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, so the anniversary of Sept. 11 was an important day for him.

As for Goss, she used to live in Washington for a number of years and her sister at one time worked at American Express in World Trade Tower six. Goss has visited Ground Zero and said it is an important part of history which to pay tribute.

“This brings the whole thing into full circle,” she said.

For Bartlett, the day was about honoring all of those who have given their lives serving the country, including her uncle who died in Vietnam.

“I just come to remember those who died for our country and pay tribute to those who serve for our country,” she said. “I come every year.”

As Thompson said his closing remarks, he asked the community to remember.

“As we leave, please remember those lives lost eight years ago,” he said. “Remember those who lost their lives recently and those serving us now.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com