War on Terror

September 10. 2012 10:39PM

Raymond remembers Sept. 11 with special flags

By GRETYL MACALASTER
Union Leader Correspondent

Flags at half-staff today for 9-11

CONCORD -- Gov. John Lynch has asked that flags be lowered to half-staff today in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. President Barack Obama has also proclaimed today as a national day of remembrance.

“September 11th was a day we must and will always remember. It is a day for us to show our appreciation to our firefighters, police officers and all first responders, to support the families of the victims, and to honor the sacrifice of our veterans.

“It is a day for us to recommit ourselves to being there for each other and to working to preserve all that is so special about our state and our nation,” Gov. Lynch said.

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RAYMOND — Two new flags hung from the town common gazebo Tuesday night, flying as a tangible reminder of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

One flag represents the first-responders who lost their lives. The other bears the names of the civilians who died that day.

The flags were purchased by the town of Raymond ahead of its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, which was held Monday night.

The theme of the evening was “Lest We Forget. United We Stand.”

Nearly every segment of the community was represented, with the Raymond High School marching band playing the Star-Spangled Banner, members of the American Legion and VFW firing off a 21-gun salute, police Chief David Salois lighting a memorial candle and fire Chief Kevin Pratt ringing a bell five times to honor the first-responders lost, and to signify that their work is done.

About 100 residents of all ages gathered at the town common to take part in the remembrance.

“I thought it was a wonderful gathering of the community and just symbolized what the whole town is about: remembering the service of our fallen comrades and all the people who keep going out, our firemen and police here in Raymond,” selectman Peter Buckingham said.

He said the ceremony reminded him of the gratitude he feels for those first-responders.

“We are all thankful and this is just a way of expressing it,” Buckingham said.

Town Manager Craig Wheeler said the flags were a particularly poignant part of the event, with several residents looking carefully to find the names of loved ones and friends that they lost in the attacks.

“It helps people remember and really drive home the number of people,” Pratt said.

Selectman Lee Weldy said he was particularly happy to see so many families and young people on the common.

He said he hopes the event continues in the future to remind future generations of the sacrifice made.

“I'll participate as long as I can,” Weldy said.

gmacalaster@newstote.com