NEVER FORGET

Painesville ceremony honors lives lost in 9/11 terror attacks

For the first time in the 12 years the Sept. 11 memorial service has been held on Painesville’s square, it rained.

Dale Fellows of Willoughby Hills, who was leading the ceremony, took it in stride.

“I think the rain this morning is certainly tears from God, for those represented here by all these flags,” Fellows said.

About 3,000 flags were planted on the square, just outside of the gazebo, about one for every person who lost his or her life during the attack 17 years ago.

“We must never forget, that’s what this event is all about,” Fellows said.

Among those participating in the event were Riverside choir and band members. Fellows pointed out that many of this year’s high school seniors were born in 2001.

“I do believe it’s very important for all of us here to remember and let them know what happened and how we felt there in 2001 on 9/11,” he said.

“I think the rain this morning is certainly tears from God, for those represented here by all these flags.” —Dale Fellows of Willoughby Hills

Fellows was in a Lake County Elections Board meeting 17 years ago, not far from the square when the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.

“All of the sudden one of our staff members came in and said, we’re under attack,” he said. “And we’re all like, ‘what?’ And sure enough one plane had already hit the one tower and by the time we got to a television, we saw the second

tower hit.”

Two moments of silence were held during the event, corresponding with when each tower was hit.

The annual event is organized in part by Painesville residents Gary and Susan Betteley. Gary Betteley said the square was chosen because it’s the center of Lake County. There’s enough room to display the 3,000 flags, and it allows people who weren’t able to make the morning memorial a chance to stop by during the day and reflect.

In addition to the flags, there was also a memorial to the seven Lake County

military members who have been killed in action since 9/11. Planted among the flags was a sign remembering United Airlines Flight 93, whose passengers fought back against hijackers. The plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa. The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. was believed to be the hijackers’ intended target.

In the middle of the display was a mannequin dressed in a firefighter’s uniform, honoring the work of first responders in the aftermath of the attacks.

“Today is a day to remember, not a celebration,”

Painesville Fire Chief Mark Mlachak said. “To remember this country was viciously attacked on 9/11 and 2,996 individuals had their lives stolen from them. But do not fear, for fear is what they want. If we fear then they win. Remember the heroics of that day and those who sacrificed so much so others can live, but do not surrender to hate for hate will tear ourselves and this country apart. Remember the love and the unity shown that day and the months that followed.”

ANDREW CASS — THE NEWS-HERALD About 3,000 flags were planted on Painesville’s square for a 9/11 memorial ceremony.

CRAIG RUTTLE — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS GENE J. PUSKAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS — ASSOCIATED PRESS In New York: Two members of the New York City fire department look toward One World Trade Center. In Shanksville, Pa.: Visitors to the Flight 93 National Memorial participate in a sunset memorial. In Washington: A U.S. flag is unfurled at sunrise Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the Pentagon.