Plymouth Community Unites in Remembrance of 9/11

On Sunday, September 11, members and officials of the Plymouth community gathered at the Plymouth Town Commons to commemorate the tragedies that gripped our nation ten years before and to pay homage to those who lost their lives.  Though a somber day, the ceremonies reminded the crowd of the courage and goodness that resides in the hearts of our citizens.

The ceremony began with a procession of police officers, boy scouts, firefighters, and military veterans, who marched down Highland Street to the Commons. Community members gathered round to join Reverend Leo LeBlanc in an opening prayer, recited the Pledge of Allegiance with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and sang the National Anthem with Plymouth State University sophomore Michael Dodge.

Following the opening recitations were speeches from two Plymouth town officials, Chair of the Plymouth Select Board Valerie Scarborough and Lieutenant Scott Cathy of the Plymouth Fire Department, and PSU President Sara Jayne Steen. Lieutenant Cathy, who has been an active firefighter for about thirty years, is a first responder in the area and understands what it must have been like for the New York firefighters that rushed to the scene of the crash on that bleak morning. On always being at danger's beck and call, Lieutenant Cathy said the following: "We chose to live a life of service. We chose to put ourselves in harm's way… When we get on the engine, or the ambulance, we are honoring our calling."

The memorial ceremony on the Commons concluded with a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace," a closing prayer led by Reverend Sarah Stewart, and a resplendent releasing of peace doves over the town.

Stephen Finn, a senior at PSU and a call-firefighter for the community, was amongst the crowd on the Commons on Sunday. "It's always good when people come out and show their support… Everyone was struck that day. But for those hit directly, everyday is a memorial."

The ceremony was continued across the street at the Hanaway Theater in the Silver Center for the Arts, where PSU students and members of the Plymouth community filled the auditorium to listen to music and poetry in honor of the anniversary. Hardly a seat was left empty.

The program opened with a poetry reading by Jonathan Santore, reading "Later" by PSU's very own Liz Ahl. Following the poetry reading was a commemorative concert performed by the Plymouth State University Chorale and Chamber Singers, faculty members of the Plymouth State University music department, and guest musicians from all over New England. The musical performances were accompanied by photographs taken on September 11, 2001. Many of those in attendance were brought to tears. The entire hall was profoundly moved.

Overall, the tone on Sunday was one of resilience, as the ten-year anniversary of the attacks brought Plymouth community members and PSU students together to pay their respects to their nation and its heroes. Though the events being remembered during Sunday's memorial ceremony were tragic, they show us that still, ten years later, we are capable of uniting in times of hardship to cultivate great strength.