It is Important for us to never forget

'It is important for us to never forget'

Kerry O'Brien
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — American flags flown in Afghanistan were presented to the town by Jeffrey Bennett, chairman of the Board of Selectmen and a sergeant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, as part of a Wednesday ceremony held in remembrance of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“It’s a small gesture so we remember the service of the veterans and the events that led them to having to serve,” Mr. Bennett said, who has been deployed in Afghanistan.

State Sen. Stephen Brewer of Barre said the sacrifices made by public safety personnel, the military and many others in the 12 years since the attacks are deserving of all Americans’ unending respect and gratitude.

“So many communities have already let the sacrifice made by so many individuals fade from memory,” he said. “It is important for us to never forget, because when that bell tolls, they put their life on the line, and that is worthy of our respect.”

State Rep. Denise Andrews of Orange said memories of the attacks must encourage all Americans and their communities to be united and strong.

“Our country can only be as strong as each of our towns,” she said. “On a day like today it is critically important for us to say, ‘What are we doing with what we had to go through?’”

During the ceremony — which was organized by Fire Chief Raymond LaPorte — the importance of first responders was highlighted by each speaker.

“Twelve years ago this very moment, the World Trade Center collapsed into a pile of rubble, twisted steel and debris,” Chief LaPorte said. “Many lives were saved that day by fire, EMS and civilians. Many of those saviors lost their own lives in the service of others ... it was the single greatest lost of rescue personnel in American history.

As flags were lowered to half staff, Chief LaPorte rang the town bell in the “Four Fives” — the pattern used by the New York City Fire Department to signify a death in the line of duty.

“It dates back to 1865, when it’s rumored the death of President Abraham Lincoln was transmitted to the fire stations with bell codes,” the chief said.

Mr. Bennett donated a total of four American flags flown in Afghanistan, which will be raised over the four villages of Templeton.