Sparta remembers 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

Each year, on Sept. 11, communities across the globe pause to remember one of the most horrific days in American history. But they not only remember that a group of people dared to attack the strongest country on earth, they also remember the way the citizens, the servicemen, the first responders and police and firefighters, the friends and neighbors, the families and strangers, all rushed to the aid of those who were caught in the chaos.

Sparta also pauses to remember the acts of bravery and heroism that cost many their lives that day, but also saved the lives of countless others. The 9/11 Patriot’s Day Ceremony, organized jointly by the Veterans Service Office and the Veterans Museum provides the White County community with a time and place to remember the heroes of those days and the ones that followed.

This year’s ceremony took place under the pavilion in Metcalf Park next to the American Legion building and included addresses by State Representative Paul Sherrell, who asked the timeless question “Where were you when?” and State Senator Paul Bailey, who talked about what it meant to be an American and rise up and stand with your neighbors as one. The ceremony included several songs from retired Air Force veteran Regina Coonrod Pullin, whose credits include having sung at the White House as a member of the US Air Force Band.  Frank Tritico, who is now a commercial pilot but also once flew for the Air Force, spoke to the audience about the logistics of the day and the difficulties that the country had to overcome as they were shocked by the events.

In addition to remembering the men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day 20 years ago, the ceremony also included a traditional retiring of a flag performed by the Knights of Columbus and concluded with a Ringing of the Four Fives by Capt. Jessie Buttrum, of Sparta Fire Department, a bell ringing ceremony, in honor of the firefighters and first responders who selflessly gave their lives to ensure the safety of their communities and country.