Guests begin to gather at the Newark Valley Green on Sunday, Sept. 11 prior to 8:45 a.m. for a “Remember the Sacrifice” ceremony hosted by the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, N.Y.
A ceremony, “Remember the Sacrifice,” hosted by the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley was held on Sept. 11 at the Newark Valley Village Green. Approximately 100 community members were greeted by patriotic background music including, “God Bless the U.S.A.” as they gathered near the gazebo for the 8:45 a.m. ceremony.
Several speakers reflected on personal experiences and acknowledged and gave thanks to all first responders and heroes, past and present day. The Pledge of Allegiance, along with moments of silence to remember and honor lives lost and the sacrifice of many individuals fifteen years ago, were also part of the ceremony.
Pastor Ben Baker of the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley speaks to guests gathered for the “Remember the Sacrifice” ceremony held Sept. 11 at the Newark Valley Green. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
First Baptist Church Pastor Ben Baker explained that the Newark Valley ceremony was not only to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, but also to thank and acknowledge those people today who are doing the same by putting their lives on the line in order to help others.
One of those individuals, Newark Valley Fire Chief John Haney, shared that he joined the fire department when he was just 16 years old. Like many who do the same, emergency situations take priority in Haney’s routine, even over family time, and Haney thanked all of those volunteers as well as the military.
A fire truck is parked across the street from the Newark Valley Green on Sunday, Sept. 11 in honor and memory of first responders and others who lost their lives fifteen years ago.
“The nicest thank you I’ve ever received was from a five year old girl,” Haney commented during the ceremony, and explained that the girl’s father was involved in a serious accident. He added, “She thanked me for saving her father.”
Newark Valley resident, Joyce Merwin, also spoke at the ceremony, and recent comments she shared with the Owego Pennysaver fit well with the theme of the Newark Valley Sept. 11 ceremony.
Pastor Ben Baker of the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley speaks to guests gathered for the “Remember the Sacrifice” ceremony held Sept. 11 at the Newark Valley Green. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Merwin’s words included, “Heroes are people who have no concern for themselves; they do the task that needs to be done. They rescue others. Let us highly regard volunteers who step up for a cause in an emergency.”
Following the ceremony, the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley hosted a breakfast at the church, in honor of the individuals who serve the public.
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