9/11 in 2010 - remembrance and recognition

By MICHELE BURRIS

Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney, with help from the Adrian Fire Department, his family and many others, spent countless hours preparing for a day in American history in which alot of lives were lost needlessly in tragic, cowardly attacks on United States soil. US citizens will never forget the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

To remember those who died and honor those who continue to save lives and help our country, services were held at Adrian R-III and at the Adrian Optimist Building. On Friday, September 10, Chief Dizney led an assembly for elementary students and a second assembly for middle and high school students. More than 25 emergency personnel and veterans were in attendance. Doug Wix, Bates County Ambulance EMT, said: “The students were very respectful and attentive. I hope they learned something. I hope they remember what this is all about.  I hope it puts some seriousness in their lives.”

The following day, a crowd gathered on Main Street in Adrian to watch the 9/11 processional. The Life Flight Eagle flew overhead the Color Guard, area firetrucks, police cars, emergency personnel and veterans traveled down Main Street to the Adrian Optimist Building. At the Adrian Optimist Building, the community gathered. Chief Dizney, who has been an Adrian firefighter for 30 years, opened the service with a warm thank you to the area veterans and emergency personnel in attendance.

Closing remarks for Chief Dizney included words of gratitude and appreciation. “Thanks to Crystal McWilliams of Adrian for creating the DVD presentations.” He expressed a heartfelt, emotional thanks to his wife, who has been supportive of him for the past 30 years with the Adrian Fire Department. And last but certainly not least, Chief Dizney said, “Thanks to my family and everyone who helped make the 9/11 services possible.” The service concluded with Taps, played by Faith Hutchens, and with God Bless America, sang by Susan and Doug Davis, and Tom and Dana Rosekopf.

Right: Emergency personnel and veterans stand for the Pledge of Allegiance during the R-III assemblies.

Middle: Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney is the Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 services at the school and for the community.

Far right: The Color Guard leads the 9/11 processional, followed by area firetrucks, police cars, emergency personnel and veterans.