Heroes honored on Sept. 11

By MARY ALICE MURPHY

Special to the Press An event organized as “Honor Our Heroes’ Day to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, Washington, D.C., and in a Pennsylvania field was held at Gough Park on Friday.

The park was decorated with memorials to those who died that day, with a small flag stuck in the ground to represent each death.

The ceremony also celebrated those who lay their lives on the line to protect others, including veterans and active-duty troops in the armed services, firefighters and law enforcement personnel.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 presented the colors.

Linda Pecotte, after reading the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner,’ led the audience in singing the national anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pastor Roy Anderson gave the invocation, followed by a moment of silence for those who have died in the service of their country and in attacks.

Mick Coon sang “God Bless America.’

The keynote speaker was Mike Rowse of KSCQ Radio. He asked listeners to “honor the patriots and remember the fallen.’ He defined patriots as those who “zealously love their country and know it’s the best in the world. If we listen to those who tell us not to be vigilant, then sacrifice would be wasted. Patriotism is not a partisan issue.’

He cautioned the audience to “not forget those here every day — the police, sheriff and firefighters.’

“This country is built on the ordinary man and woman who answered the call of his or her country and realized it is something bigger than their own sacrifice,’ Rowse said. “(Members of) each generation should preserve the freedom brought by those before them.’

Norm Ruebush of Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 read“The Ragged Old Flag,’ describing the history of our country and its symbol — the American flag — as detachment members presented a tattered flag.

Event honorary chairman James Zawackim introduced the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 Honor Guard; the American Legion Post 18 Honor Guard; the Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 Honor Guard; Regent Ollie Ann Sontag, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution; Staff Sgt. Urbana Villagran, representing the New Mexico Army National Guard; U.S. Army Sgt. William Vice; U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Eric Estrada; and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carlos Morales.

Also honored were Grant County fire departments, represented by Bayard Chief Eddie Arrey, Cliff-Gila Chief Robert J. Agnew, Fort Bayard Chief Joe Chavez, Hurley Chief Jay Jackson, Lower Mimbres Chief Bill Crossland, Pinos Altos Chief Walter LaFleur, Santa Clara Chief Frank Ryan, Santa Rita/Hanover/Fierro Chief Mark Standard, Sapillo Creek Chief Don May, Silver City Chief Rudy Bencomo, Tyrone Chief Randy Villa, Upper Mimbres Chief Ed Power and Whiskey Creek Chief J.D. Donovan.

Grant County police department representatives included Silver City Chief Ed Reynolds, Bayard Chief Sam Charbagi, Hurley Chief Robert Ruiz and Santa Clara Chief Paul Jasso.

Zawacki also recognized Gila Regional Medical Center Emergency Medical Services Director Don McNutt, Grant County Sheriff Raul Villanueva and New Mexico State Police Capt. Steve Harvill.

He asked audience members to thank those who protect citizens from harm.

Jack Cunningham of American Legion Post 18 played “Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes; a rifle volley was presented by the American Legion Post 18 Honor Guard; taps was played by bugler Mickey Gomez; and the closing invocation was given by Pastor Charley Anderson of the Nazarene Church.

CEREMONY HELD

Marine Corps Outfit member Marc MacDonald presents “The Ragged Old Flag’ during the Patriots Day Remembrance ceremony at Gough Park on Friday, Sept. 11.

(Press Staff Photo by Meghan Pierson)