Wheeling to hold 9/11 memorial service Monday
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WHEELING -- As the years pass from the events of Sept. 11, 2001 -- when terrorists hijacked four airliners and crashed three into the World Trade Center and Pentagon -- it becomes even more important to remember those who died, those who helped in recovery and the unity the nation saw in the days after, said Rabbi Joshua Lief of Temple Shalom.
"If we forget, it will be forgotten," he said, "and that will be terrible for us as Americans, because it shouldn't take being attacked for us to recognize our connection."
Wheeling-area faith leaders, first responders and elected officials will do their part in rekindling those memories at noon Monday at Heritage Port, when they hold their annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Not only will those groups be there, but the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's brass quintet will provide music for the event.
It's unfortunate that it takes tragic events to unite a country, Lief said, but that's what happened following Sept. 11. Americans set aside differences and supported each other. They looked after their neighbors, Lief said, rather than simply live in proximity to them.
That's why, he continued, that Sept. 11 is a day that needs to be remembered each year. Its significance rises to that occasion.
"This is a day on which we ought to remember those who died in defense of freedom," he said. "This is a day on which we ought to give thanks for the police and the firefighters who keep us safe on a daily basis. This is a day on which we ought to be proud of the freedom we all take for granted as Americans."
Examples of unity have been a part of this ceremony in past years, Lief said, and this year should be no exception.
Faith leaders of different religions and denominations stand in solidarity, as do elected officials from across the political spectrum and first responders of all kinds. Lief said he feels fortunate that so many individuals and groups converge on Heritage Port to remember those who stepped up during that tragedy.
Leif's hope is that those who attend the ceremony will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, that they will actively work to maintain the unity shown both in 2001 and at Monday's remembrance.
"I think that that's really the key, that we actually follow through," Lief said. "It's not enough to just claim that we care. It's not enough to just act like we're good people. It's not enough to wear a flag pin and claim that you love America. We have to actually support our neighbors. We have to actually live our civic values. We have to actually try to build a better society not just for ourselves."