Chattanooga Times Free Press

Somber ceremony in Chattanoog­a reflects on day nation was attacked

- BY DAVID COBB STAFF WRITER

Some lifted their hands, others nodded their heads. Many sat still, reflecting on their faith and one of the most somber days in the nation’s history. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are entrenched in the memories of Americans old enough to remember that fateful day.

And those who gathered for “Cry Out America” on Sunday afternoon in Chattanoog­a remembered the sight of the World Trade Center’s crumbling twin towers as a wake-up call to the nation.

On the front lawn of the Hamilton County Courthouse, a group of about 50 people representi­ng churches across the city sang songs of worship and patriotism and prayed for the nation to be awakened once again.

They asked God to reach across denominati­onal, racial and cultural lines to do it.

“Though we face challenges as a nation, we can be

thankful and proud to be citizens of the United States of America,” event organizer Genendal Fratantuon­o said. “Ours is a great nation, worthy of the continued investment of our time and energy through prayer.

“We have gathered today for that very reason.”

The Cry Out for America gathering is an annual event on Sept. 11 and a ministry of the Cleveland, Tenn., based Awakening America Alliance.

Fratantuon­o said there were similar gatherings in all 50 states Sunday.

More than a dozen churches were represente­d at the Chattanoog­a event. Among other participan­ts was a group of men who read historic quotes from iconic Americans like George Washington and Ronald Reagan.

The U.S. Naval Honor Guard presented the American flag, and local Eagle Scout Daniel Sawyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.

That was followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Grace Chapel’s Michael May.

While there was a palpable sense of patriotism on display, Clay Padgett of Redemption Pointe Church also led the gathering in a prayer of repentance for some of the nation’s more controvers­ial history.

He prayed for repentance for the nation’s mistreatme­nt of minority groups and for its “devaluing” of human life by condoning abortion.

“We offer you our tears of sorrow and remorse on behalf of the sins of our nation,” he said.

Roger Helle, executive director of Teen Challenge, reminded the crowd that terror struck the Chattanoog­a community last year with the fatal shooting of five servicemen by a locally raised Muslim who the FBI later said had been radicalize­d.

“July 16, a year ago, was a wake-up call for Chattanoog­a,” he said. “We had terrorism come to our very front door, and since that time the people of this community have come together again to pray. Just a couple of months ago, 50 churches and ministries came together in solemn assembly.

“Now, here we are again on the anniversar­y of September 11.”

Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@ timesfreep­ress.com or 423-757-6249.

 ??  ?? A woman becomes emotional Sunday at the National Sept. 11 Memorial in New York.
A woman becomes emotional Sunday at the National Sept. 11 Memorial in New York.
 ?? STAFF PHOTO BY TIM BARBER ?? Colors are presented by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets at the outset of the annual Cry Out America prayer gathering on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse on Sunday afternoon in Chattanoog­a.
STAFF PHOTO BY TIM BARBER Colors are presented by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets at the outset of the annual Cry Out America prayer gathering on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse on Sunday afternoon in Chattanoog­a.

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