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captions, page 4:
Clockwise from top left ---
From left: Glen Boies, Jay Swan and Rev. Kevin Downer
Above: 1925 Stutz. Right: Terry Walsh plays Amazing Grace.
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
WOODSTOCK — Woodstock’s remembrance of 9/11 on the Common was heartfelt and painful yet hopeful.
Glen Boies, commander of the Woodstock American Legion Benson-Flugel Post 111, told residents, veterans, members of three fire departments and first responders that America continues to heal and the healing must continue. “Some are still angry and we must help temper their rage,” he said.
First Selectman Jay Swan remembered how like the Kennedy assassination 9/11 was. “Many of us remember where we were, what we were doing, who we were with and most importantly, how we felt. First there was confusion, then uncertainty and finally anger.” He noted that while the towers were being attacked and people tried to escape, it was the first responders who charged toward the destruction. Of the 2,996 lives lost, 343 were fire fighters and emergency responders, 74 were law enforcement and more than 25,000 were injured.
“What I remember most,” he said “was that in the aftermath, America became a kinder nation.” In addition to remembering those who were lost, “we also remember the spirit of camaraderie that flourished in the wake of that tragic day.”
He called on all to try to work together to bring that feeling back.
Rev. Kevin Downer of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock carried a similar message, asking the Lord that “we may find the courage to remember, as the towers fell, the brief moment the world rallied.” He asked that “We be emboldened and strengthened to find ways to remember and to make the world a better place.”
Boies said the event sprang from Eric Young of the Woodstock Vol Fire Assoc. Sta 76 asking him what the town was going to do for the 20th anniversary. Boies said they had about nine days to put it together and all volunteered to help. He said there were so many signing on it was like “don’t put up any gate.” “They were all eager to get on board,” he said.
Terry Walsh, a former member of the Woodstock Vol Fire Assoc., played the bagpipes and bells were rung on the department’s 1925 Stutz fire engine for those who were lost. Muddy Brook and Bungay departments also attended, as well as EMTs/ambulances.
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