Patriots Day

Those honoring the memory of lives lost Sept. 11, 2001 in New York City, Washington D.C. and a Pennsylvania field, and in subsequent battles in the ongoning war against terrorism, began arriving early at Limestone Landing, Tuesday evening. By 6 P.M., when the bells of St Patrick Church tolled six times families and soldiers were shoulder to shoulder with the floodwall murals and the Ohio River as a backdrop.
Members of the Junior ROTC flanked by AMVETS Post 124 Ladies Auxiliary members Sue Carpenter and Reba Detro as the ladies walked down Limestone Street and carried a patriotic wreath to the base of a flagpole bearing the special Patriots Day American Eagle flag at Limestone Landing.
Glenn George AMVETS public relations officer, emceed the event which included a musical tribute to America, sung by Kim Sparks and the singing of the National Anthem by members of the Mason County High School Choir.
Compliments were paid to first responders of all tuypes.
"We pay tribute to those who don't get the headlines, the first responders," said Maysville Mayor David Cartmell.
Reminders of a disaster that united, instead of dividing the nation was how Mason County Judge Executive Buddy Gallenstein asked the group to remember Sept. 11, now known as Patriots Day.

"A terror we have never known darkened our skies that day." said Rep. Mike Denham who personalized the losses of Sept. 11 with names of some nurses who were killed or affected by the carnage of the day.
Lydia Estelle Bravo, a company nurse, was in Tower One above the 90th floor.
"Her friends commended after her death, ' We have truly lost an angel,' said Denham.
He also reminded the crowd 66 soldiers, from Kentucky have lost their lives in the fight against terror that began that day.
Maysville Fire Chief Eric Bach likened the attacks and time of healing that followed to a rose, with thorns, beauty and a sweet smell.
"It is a challenge to make the world a safer place... we have our heroes from an act of war that was not expected. In addition to the thousands of others, 343 firefighters died in the line of duty that day. Think of others and be proud, A rose represents a new year, a fresh start and new growth," said Bach.
After a salute to first responders, including 911 dispatchers, a salute to the crowd was also given by Maysville Police Chief Kent Butcher.
I am proud of you for your continued support as we try to keep this community safe," said Butcher.
Guest Speaker Major Shawn Flaugher, of the Kentucky Army National guard who kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as he related some of his memories of pre and post Sept. 11 activities in the military.
There are so many acts of selfless service," said Flaugher.
He spoke of Todd Beamer ("Lets Roll") story and what some call the first attact in the global war on terrorism, by the doomed passengers of Flight 93.
"They knew their fate and they did battle in that cockpit," said Flaugher." If they had not there could have been countless other lives affected."
Flaugher spoke of the pre attack anti-American knowledge government officials were aware of about Usama bin Laden and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
"They were talking about when, not if, an act of terrorism would come here, he said.
He also warned Americans not to be complacent about another possible attack and asked young people of the nation to take a challenge and serve a cause that is greater than themselves.
"Just so you know, al-qaida is an equal opportunity killed. If you do not, but into their ideology they will kill you," said Flaugher.
Following his speech a 21 gun salute was fired.
"With all branches of the military and first responders at attention, AMVETS members retired the flag to the tune of "Taps" played on a bugle, as the sun sank behind the Maysville skyline.