Communities unite to pay respect
By MICHELE BURRIS
Since the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney and the Adrian Fire Department have spoken at school assemblies, organized a processional on Main Street in Adrian, and hosted a ceremony for the community.
It has been 10 years since that horrific day in 2001. Last Friday, Adrian R-III paid tribute to those who lost their lives, and honored guests in attendance who are serving our community and/or our country. Chief Dizney asked for two high school students to share what they remember about that tragic day 10 years ago. Junior Logan Jennings remembers that day and it reminds him why he wants to join the United States Navy upon graduation from Adrian High School. Bryce McMillan stated that we know we live in a strong country because we bounced back from something like September 11. Ending the assembly was the playing of Taps by Junior Ashton McDaniel.
On Sunday, September 11, the Butler Honor Guard led a processional of veterans, fire departments from Adrian, Butler, Dolan-West Dolan, Western Cass, Peculiar, Garden City, East Lynne, Drexel, Amsterdam (middle picture), Rockville, Harrisonville, Freeman, and more, Bates County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Adrian Police, Bates County Emergency Management, Life Flight Eagle. Ambulance and EMS crews.
At the Adrian Optimist Building, a standing room only crowd gathered for the 10th Anniversary September 11 Ceremony. Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney greeted everyone with a warm welcome. The Butler Honor Guard carried in the flags. Dizney extended his deepest gratitude to the veterans and military personnel. They received a standing ovation. Retired Dolan-West Dolan Fire Chief Dave Ullery, Children's Mercy Employee Brian Miller and Garden City Fire Chief Mark Lopez were guest speakers.
An emotional DVD presentation with the song written for 9/11 entitled “Have You Forgotten,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The next song, “Heaven”, included a voice over of a 5-year old girl talking to her daddy who died on September 11. As the song continued, the little girl turned 10, still talking to her dad, and a decade after his death, the 15 year old girl cries because she needs her dad.
Taps was played by Faith Hutchens, followed by a Tone Out and a Moment of Silence. Brian Dizney sounded the four sets of five bell rings (pictured far right).
Right: Area emergency/military personnel attended the September 11 assembly at Adrian School last Friday. Front row: Carolynn Hilbus, Adrian Firefighter; Coco Perrymann, Amsterdam Firefighter and EMT. Middle row: Ken Newsome, Adrian Firefighter; Doug Davis, Firefighter; Gary Dizney, Adrian Fire Chief; Brad Pennington, Adrian Firefighter and Bates County EMS; Michael Nelson, Adrian Firefighter and First Responders. Back row: Mark Durbin, US Army; Garry Perrymann, Amsterdam Fire Chief; Jim Henry, Butler Fire Chief.