9 11 Memorial Rockwall Texas 2020 at Heroes Bridge
Friday, September 11, 2020 – Rockwall, TX
The 9 11 Memorial Rockwall Texas 2020 at Heroes Bridge.
A Sunrise Reminder on a Somber Anniversary
As I was driving to a memorial to commemorate the tragedy of 9/11, I couldn’t help taking the sunrise as I was driving east through Dallas. In fact there are six flags that wave proudly on Hwy 183. A reminder at daylight that America is strong, no matter the tragedies that we are faced with and the conflicts that other nations try to impose.
Indeed the peacekeepers of our country remain vigilant and are ever watchful. Just like the USS Herschel Woody Williams continues her sea going duties as she arrives in Rota Spain. Truly countless others stand watch on forward observation post on land, in the air and at sea. Therefore make no mistake that those who wish to cause har to our country more ingenious in their efforts. We may not like the methods they have chosen, however they are as smart as the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Sadly, they are determined to make their mark to create turbulence and, yes these are harsh words but forever true, they intend to kill common folks such as you and I.
Believing in a World of Unity
As a matter of fact, for many and for that the most of us believe in lawful order. Believing in peaceful assembly and the rights of others. As well as the belief that humanity can exist without the crushing blows of racism. All of us look for the good in each other no matter the color of the hand we shake. Never giving a second thought of the physical features of the other person we are talking with, or standing next to, or just happen to see walking down the street.
Indeed the majority of the people who live in the United States of America are bound under words of “Liberty and Justice For All”. We prevail. And the fact is that we want each person to do good, to overcome adversity, and to fulfill their dreams. Some of us will stand and clap. While others will wipe tears of emotion when we see them win. Still countless others will stand in here and there for those who will reflect the moment of silence. But make no mistake, I firmly believe that 99.9% of the people who live in this country want greatness, the good of mankind and the well-being of others to prevail.
Heroes Memorial Bridge 911 Memorial
Moreover, these are the things I begin to think of as I hear the bagpipes playing on the shores of the lake at the foot of the Heroes Memorial Bridge. All of those paying respect had emotional feelings in their hearts as evidenced by the emotion written upon their faces. However, the only proof that I have is from the photos I was able to take. Though we do not know the intentions within the hearts of others, many times their true thoughts are revealed through their actions. Many times without words.
Therefore in Rockwall, TX on the morning of 9/11 there were no long tele prompts or extemporaneous speeches. The time was reserved for comments about what happened 19 years ago. As well as for the reading of 412 names. Those names belonging to first responders, police, paramedics, fire fighters, security detail and many with a purpose to protect and serve. Indeed those whose mission is to save a life even though they give theirs.
The 412…
At the foot of the Heroes Memorial Bridge the bag piper from the Rockwall Police Department greeted each attendee as they paid their respects. Fire fighters, police officers and dignitaries read the names of those 412. In fact, of those 412 first responders:
- 343 were firefighters from the New York City Fire Department
- 23 were police officers from New York City Police Department
- 37 were police officers from the Port Authority of New York and the New Jersey Police Department
- 8 were EMTs and paramedics from private emergency medical services
- 1 was a patrolman with New York Fire Patrol
Where Were You?
The moment in time was 8:46am. An hour span of time in which everyone remembers exactly what they were doing as they watched the horrific events on tv screens. I was on the job as a state certified roofing contractor in Tallahassee, Florida. I had come down the ladder off of the roof and just happened to look into the window where the homeowners tv screen was placed on the first building burning.
As I stood there I saw the second plane hit. Those who are alive and old enough to remember that somber September day were probably in a state of discernment. Trying to understand how to address within our minds what was happening. It’s sad to think any new reports unfairly assessing the situation in any instances. But the true fact remains that a force of ill-conceived intelligence made their mark in the history books of the United States.
Old Glory Waves Proud
You may not like the word intelligence captured within these statements. But I did not say that just because you’re intelligent you were not evil. I will, however, say this…the good people of this country are intelligent and we are smart enough to win such battles of adversity. So the Stars and Stripes, no matter where Old Glory waves, and no matter if the intelligence or unintelligence burns those flags in disapproval fo a republic, the intelligence of America will stand!
An Emotional Day
Indeed the mood was somber and no eye was dry during the ceremony. Members of local police and fire departments were on hand as well as many citizens. Flags flew in the chilly morning breeze. Additionally, speed painter Gabino Martinez painted picture of the Twin Towers and the flag raising in just 8 minutes to begin the day’s ceremonies.
