Lacey Michael
Elmore Autauga News
In a beautiful tribute to the honor and memory of September 11th, the City of Prattville gathered with the community to remember the lost as well as the unity that America displayed on this tragic day.
Autauga County District Court Judge Jessica Sanders greeted the crowd by offering the opening remarks. Judge Sanders then led everyone to pay tribute to the lives lost in a moment of silence. The radio call recording from this day was played for all to hear, respectfully reminding everyone of the shock and despair that was felt by America on this day in 2001. To follow, the Marbury and Prattville Show Choir beautifully lifted their voices for the presentation of the national anthem. 2,977 American Flags were displayed today to represent the victims of the World Trade Center Twin Towers attacks.
A heartfelt prayer and invocation were given by Prattville Police Department Chaplain Vince Blubaugh. The prayer was followed by an invitation made by Judge Kimberly Kervin, Autauga County Probate Judge for the children in attendance and students from Ivy Classical Academy. Children in attendance and the students of Ivy Classical Academy proudly presented the Pledge of Allegiance and the presentation of flags. The Flag of Honor and Flag of Heroes was reverently presented by Council President Pro Tempore, Robert Strichik from District six.
The closing prayer was respectfully given by retired Prattville Fire Department Chaplain Kenny Rhodes. A moving presentation of Taps was performed by Matthew Wright from the Prattville High School Band.
City of Prattville, Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr., addressed the crowd and shared that he was proud of the multitude in attendance for the Honor & Remembrance Ceremony. Mayor Gillespie reminded everyone that “Remembrance is not just about looking around the world and seeing what others have done, but what we have done, and one of the greatest strengths of America is unity.”
Mayor Gillespie, in closing, stated, “We rise with faith, we rise with hope, we rise with unshakeable belief that freedom is worth protecting and that love of country and community will always overcome hate.”
The honor that was displayed and the crowd that gathered today were a beautiful example of Mayor Gillespie’s call for unity and love. May we always remember. In the words of Mayor Gillespie in closing, “God bless the United States of America.”
