“On September 11, 2001, 2,977 people perished. Those lost included 2,217 men, 632 women, 23 members of the New York City Police Department, 343 New York City and surrounding area firefighters, and 83 people from other countries. On that day, approximately 3,000 children were left without at least one of their parents. On that day, American lives changed forever.”

So stated John Herzig, guest speaker for the WTUZ America Proud event on Sunday, September 11, held at Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the events of 9/11. Emcees for the ceremony were Jennifer Lorenzo and Steve Kelly. Participating in the ceremony were a VFW color guard, soloist Charlene Kehl, local fire chiefs, and Abigail Kneuss and Kelsey Sharp, fifth graders at York Elementary who presented a rendition of Red Skelton’s tribute to the Pledge of Allegiance. A flag raising by Boy Scout Troop 429 of Gnadenhutten, special videos and a WTUZ drawing for a trip for four to Williamsburg rounded out the day’s activities.

“Although it was probably the most horrific event in American history, I saw something else during that time. On that day, and the days and weeks that followed, we watched Americans come together from all nationalities, with every color of skin, the rich and the poor, to support other Americans as patriots, and eventually to clean up and rebuild from the devastation,” said Herzig. “We also saw on that day, a group of patriots, real heroes, on flight 93, sacrifice their very lives to protect us from further devastation, for that plane was supposedly headed for the Capitol building or the White House. We saw the highest dignity and respect that day, to those who died, when people came and flocked to New York City, to DC, and to Shanksville, to give their assistance in any way that they could. I can tell you, as an American, I was never so proud as that day or the days that followed.

“I think freedom is a wonderful thing that we cherish in America, but right now we are seeing people abuse those freedoms,” said Herzig, before pinpointing the disrespect shown by those who protest at military funerals as well as those who disregard America’s religious foundations.

“America was founded with God as our foundation. I am a believer of God, and I think any Christian is concerned that we continue to see God being taken out of America, out of our educational systems, out of our state and federal offices. Ten years ago, as we were watching the events transpire, we saw prayer with God being a very important part of American lives. We prayed for hope, for strength to get through that difficult time.”

He also pointed out the disrespect for American symbols, as exemplified in a moving presentation from the point of view of Old Glory by New Philadelphia Fire Chief John Parrish:

“When I come down the street, you just stand there, with your hands in your pockets. You may give me a small glance, and then just look away. I see children running around you, shouting. They don’t seem to know who I am… Have you forgotten what I stand for, and where I’ve been? India, Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam?” questioned Parrish. “Look at the memorial honor rolls and see the names of those patriotic Americans who gave their lives to keep this Republic free. When you salute me, you are actually saluting them. So when you see me, please stand straight, and place your hand over your heart, and then I’ll know that you remember.”

Dover Fire Chief Russell Volkert summed it up well as he quoted from Thomas Jefferson, “How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy.”

Volkert and Parrish both gave tribute to the freedom that the American flag represents, with Volkert concluding, “We cherish this legacy… long may it wave.”