It’s been a quarter of a century since the terrorist attacks on America on 9-11, but it’s something that continues to haunt many people locally and led American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 to create an anniversary tribute and day of remembrance in Windham on Friday, Sept. 11.
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| Yvonne Johnson of American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 was the emcee and organizer of an event recalling the tragic events of 9-11, lives lost during the terrorist attacks on America and the bravery of first responders held at the Windham Veterans Center on Friday, Sept. 11. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE |
Johnson introduced Post 148 Commander Tom Theriault who described in detail events that led to nearly 3,000 Americans perishing in terrorist-hijacked flights used as guided missiles to strike the World Trade Center Towers in New York City and at The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. while another hijacked flight crashed after passengers fought back over the skies of Pennsylvania.
Windham Fire-Rescue Chief Brent Libby and Windham Police Captain Jason Burke discussed firefighters and police officers who gave their lives attempting to save those trapped in buildings struck by the terrorists.
In all a total of six Mainers died on 9-11 including one serving in the military at The Pentagon and five who were aboard planes that were hijacked that day.
During the tribute, K-9 officers and their police handlers from Windham, Gorham and Westbrook stood by while Johnson related to the audience the story of K-9 Trakr, a German Shepherd police dog from Canada who helped search for survivors at Ground Zero after the 9-11 attacks.
In 2008, seven years after the tragedy, Symington won a contest to clone the dog, resulting in the birth of five puppy Trakr clones in 2009, Johnson said.
She then presented pins and medals for the local K-9 and their handlers in memory of K-9 Trakr and New York Port Authority K-9 Sirius, whose remains were found in 2002 in the wreckage of the World Trade Center’s South Tower after his handler had been injured and hospitalized in the collapse of the North Tower.
“The valor of K-9 Sirius reminds us he will never be forgotten,” Johnson said.
Freeport Deputy Fire Chief Luke Vashon told the story of how the town applied for and was able to obtain steel beams from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
Vashon said it took three years from the time Freeport applied to a dedication ceremony once the beams were transported to the town in September 2011.
The 9-11 memorial is at the Public Safety Building in Freeport, and everyone is welcome to visit, he said.
Major General Bill Libby of Old Orchard Beach was serving as commander of the Maine National Guard on Sept. 11, 2001, when the governor at the time, now U.S. Senator Angus King, sought his guidance about how to best keep the state safe on 9-11.
“Gov. King took swift action and closed the capitol,” General Libby told the audience at the 9-11 tribute event. “He activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center.”
He shared a story about the Maine Air Guard, who happened to be flying a mission that day over the New Jersey coast. After the attacks, the crew was ordered to help refuel military aircraft over New York City.
“Our lives have changed significantly in reaction to the events of that day,” the general said. “During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we lost 56 Mainers.”
He said that with each passing year following the terrorist attacks on 9-11, he has come to realize that the aftermath was equally as important as the attacks themselves when Americans unified as one to overcome the tragedies and rebuild their lives.
“I commemorate 9-11 every year but celebrate 9-12,” General Libby said. “We need to find the spirit of 9-12 again in this country.”
Windham Police Chief Kevin Schofield and Windham Fire-Rescue Chief Brent Libby placed a wreath in the Windham Veterans Center garden for the observance.
Members of Legion Post 148’s Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute, and it was followed by the playing of “Taps” by Post 148 bugler Randy Kitano and a benediction by Chaplain Cheryl Guddy of the Department of Maine American Legion. <
