2017 Patriot Day Service honors fallen, those who serve

Since 2001, Sept. 11 has been known as Patriot Day, designated first by Congress and President George W. Bush, then by President Barack Obama, and now by President Donald Trump. It was initially celebrated to honor and remember the people who were lost on September 11, 2001. In 2012, the name was changed to Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Including those taking part in the ceremonies, about 125 people were present for the 2017 Patriot Day events Monday at the Cine Theatre in Downtown New Albany.

B. A. Teague, commander of American Legion Post 72, presided at the service, which began at noon on Sept. 11th. It was the sixteenth anniversary of the attacks on U.S. soil by Muslim radicals which killed about 3,000 Americans in New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and  a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Some of the members of the New Albany Fire Department who participated in the 2017 Patriot Day Service.

Among those present and participating in the event were Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards, New Albany Mayor Tim Kent, New Albany Police Chief, Chris Robertson and New Albany Fire Chief, Steve Coker.

About 25 members of American Legion Post 72, members of the New Albany High School Air Force ROTC unit, clients of New Haven Center for Special Needs Adults and many public safety personnel were present.

Wreaths were presented including The Freedom Wreath, and wreaths honoring the American Revolutionary Ward, the War of 1812, the U.S.-Mexican War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnamese wars, the Persian Gulf Wars and the Ongoing Global War on Terror.