Avon remembers those lost on 9/11

The American flag at the Avon Fire Station, 36185 Detroit Road, was at half staff Sept. 11 as the Avon community took time to remember those who lost their lives during the terror attacks of 2001.

The event, Avon Patriots’ Day Ceremony, featured prayer, singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Avon High School choir, playing of bagpipes and a keynote speech from Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen.

“This gives us the opportunity to thank our safety forces for all they do for us,” Jensen said. “It’s important to take the time and remember all the innocent people that lost their lives that day.

“We are very blessed in this country, and it’s a reminder of that as well. It’s an event that ignited fighting that is continuing today.”

Jensen said the day is especially difficult for those who had a loved one die during the terrorists attacks on America.

“It’s an annual reminder for them and that pain doesn’t go away,” he said. “Thoughts and prayers go out to them.

“We need to remember we are all one nation under God. For police and firefighters ... if you run toward gunfire, you’re a hero; if you run into a fire, you’re a hero.”

Avon fire Assistant Chief Mike Emling was the master of ceremonies for the event.

“It was something that I was asked to do because the chief (Frank Root) is out sick today; it truly is an honor,” Emling said. “The day is meant to look back at who we lost.

“It wasn’t just firefighters, but also police officers and EMTs that day. It’s something that kind of gets lost in translation today.”

Emling said the day is one where people need to drop what they are doing and remember.

“In the age of social media, we get caught up on what the latest post is,” he said. “This is a time where all things should stop and the focus should be on what happened that day.

“People need to start listening more to what is talked about with that day. A tweet lasts for a day, but something like this is a lifetime.”

Avon resident Susan Hill Brown attended the ceremony.

“I felt like I should come out of respect for our country,” Brown said. “It was very emotional.

“I didn’t lose anyone that day, but I feel for our country on this day. Never forget.”

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen gives keynote speech during a Sept. 11 ceremony in Avon.

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon first responders attend Sept. 11 ceremony at the Avon Fire Station.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Nearly 3,000 small flags are lined outside Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Road, in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The flags are placed every year by members of the school’s Key Club, with assistance from the local Kiwanis group.