Sept. 11 ceremony planned

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
September 8, 2002
Wednesday will be a time of reflection.
The anniversary of terrorist attacks that claimed thousands of lives in New York, Washington D.C. and rural Pennsylvania, hurling the United States into a "war on terrorism," will be remembered with several local ceremonies.
The city of Meridian has organized a ceremony that will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Central Fire Station. No speeches are scheduled, only music, prayers and two bell ringing ceremonies that will mark the times each of the World Trade Center towers fell.
Meridian Fire Chief Bunky Partridge said the tolling of bells signaling the death of a firefighter in the line of duty is a long-held tradition. A bell is rung five times followed by a pause and the ringing is repeated two more times, as was the signal used to send the news by telegraph.
He also said firefighters have received numerous invitations from organizations, businesses and churches to participate in memorial services throughout the day.
Firefighters, police, the U.S. military, emergency medical services, the sheriff's department and the community will all be represented during the program.
Lofton said city hall has had many phone calls from residents asking if there would be a community ceremony.
Another ceremony will be held at noon at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus, titled "Rally at the Pole," for faculty, students and staff who want to share their feelings about Sept. 11. The ceremony was organized by the MSU-Meridian Student Association.
At 6:30 p.m. at Meridian High School, their will also be a gathering around the flag pole at the "See You at the Pole Citywide Rally," organized by several youth pastors from various churches.
The Rev. Ann Whitaker of the Church of the Mediator is one of the clergy who worked on organizing the event that will include prayer, music and guest speakers.