Ceremony Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of 9/11

COSHOCTON – Some dates in our lives should never be forgotten, especially Sept. 11, 2001.

“Right after 9-11 there were huge banners all over Ground Zero saying we will never forget, but the problem is too many of us have forgotten,” said Marty Glazier, commander of American Legion Post 65.

The veterans’ organization hopes to help people remember the terrorist attacks in 2001 and honor those who died as a result of it during its 9-11 five-year remembrance ceremony. The program is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at the Coshocton County Courtsquare.

Glazier, Brad Collmar, staff sergeant of Post 65, Mayor Tim Turner, Sheriff Tim Rogers, a representative from the fire department, George “Ken” Harris, 40/8 Grand Chef DeGare, and Pastor Rob Stanley will all take part in the ceremony, which will be emceed by Ken Smailes. The color guard and honor guard also plan to participate.

This is the second time Post 65 has planned a 9-11 ceremony. Its first one was held on the first anniversary of the tragedy.

“We want to try to keep the memory of what happened to America on this date alive and keep patriotism going,” Collmar said. The program includes the distribution of Blue Star Banners to the immediate family of active members of the armed forces. Blue Star Banners, a popular way of honoring family members in the service during World War I and II, have made a comeback in recent years. Displayed in the front window of houses, they have a red border and white center with a blue star in the middle of it. The star signifies a family member lost on active duty in the military.

Up to five stars can be placed on one banner. And if the family has more relatives in the service, the stars are placed on additional banners.

If the loved one is killed in action, a banner with a gold star replaces the blue star.

Families can sign up to receive one by contacting the veterans service office, which has helped distribute the banners in the past.

“We’ve just had a wonderful response,” said Herb Tidrick, veterans service officer. “A lot of families have come in for them. Wives, husbands and parents (of active duty soldiers) can get one supplied to them for free. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings need to purchase them, but we can make those arrangements.”

Glazier said he hopes the upcoing ceremony has a lasting impact on those who attend.

“People need to be made to understand we are vulnerable,” Glazier said. “These people don’t want to sit down and negotiate. We either go over there and fight or fight them here, and if they had their way, that’s what we’d be doing.”