Habersham Countians came together on Friday to commemorate the 14th anniversary of one of the darkest days in U.S. history. Patriot Day 2015 was observed with 9/11 ceremonies in Demorest and Clarkesville.
In Demorest, Woodmen of the World sponsored a flagpole dedication ceremony, something the insurance company’s done every year since 2002. Woodmen of the World Salutes America’s Heroes by dedicating flagpoles and flags, promising to honor the heroes and victims that lost their lives to the attacks on 9/11, and vowing to never forget that tragic day. This year the local chapter of Woodmen of the World (Chapter 143) in Clarkesville dedicated a flagpole and flag at the Habersham Cemetery on Habersham Mills Road in Clarkesville.
READ Habersham County Remembers 9/11
Members of law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders were front and center while WoodmenLife Representatives conducted the ceremonies, with the welcoming remarks made by Kenneth McEntire. After the invocation was given by US Air Force veteran Reverend Michael Cochran, Todd Wiley spoke of honoring and remembering in dedicating the flagpole and flag. The Habersham Central Junior ROTC cadets proudly performed the Raising of The Flag ceremony, after which Ricky Pruitt led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following a wonderful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by the Bethlehem Baptist Church Celebration Quartet, the flag was lowered to Half Mast by the Junior ROTC squad, and a moment of silence was observed. A 21-gun Salute and the haunting Taps were performed by members of the Grant-Reeves VFW Post #7720 in Cornelia, GA and Rabun County DAV Chapter 15. The Celebration Quartet completed the ceremonies with God Bless America.
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When asked why they do this, Pat Frappampina, North Georgia Regional Director for Woodmen of the World said, “As time goes by, to help people remember. This is something that needs to be remembered.”
Patriot Day 2015
Habersham County, GA
September 11, 2001
