Sitnews -Stories in the News - Ketchikan, Alaska

Bell-Ringing To Begin 'Patriot Day'
September 11 Commemoration

September 06, 2002
Friday - 12:15 am

Ketchikan - Houses of worship will join American Legion Post #3 and citizens of Ketchikan in commemorating Patriot Day on Sept. 11, 2002, by bell ringing followed by a minute of silence during the times of each of the four separate terrorist attacks on America last September 11.

"Each time a bell rings on this day, a chord will strike in our hearts as we remember the sadness of the attacks, and thank God for allowing us to remain a strong nation through all of this." ...
Post #3 Commander Reggie Galles

The bells will ring at approximately 8:45 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:43 a.m. and 10 a.m. Each ring commemorates the crash of American Airlines Flight 11 into the north tower of the World Trade Center, United Airlines Flight 175 into the south tower of the World Trade Center, American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into a field about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

"We have the divine honor of participating in this event," Post #3 Commander Reggie Galles said. "Each time a bell rings on this day, a chord will strike in our hearts as we remember the sadness of the attacks, and thank God for allowing us to remain a strong nation through all of this."

A noontime commemoration ceremony coordinated by American Legion Post #3 will follow the bell ringing. It will honor the victims of the attack, emergency service and American military service personnel who have died in the battle against terrorism.

"This ceremony will help us all to remember the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11," Commander Galles said. "We must also remember those who continue to give of themselves daily while fighting for our freedom."

"We will Remember" is the theme of The American Legion National Sept. 11 "Patriot Day" Commemoration. It will be held at the Ketchikan High School auditorium, and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Congress passed Public Law No: 107-89 on Dec. 18, 2001, designating Sept. 11 "Patriot Day."