The mood was somber at the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Thursday afternoon as the honored local safety forces and those who perished on September 11, 2001.
After a haunting rendition of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes, Duana Patton, Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, made special mention of the successful Sock & Shoe drive sponsored by RSVP.
“It is awesome that we take time out to remember September 11th and how it changed our world, how it changed each and every one of us in some way,” said Patton. “The fact that we use this time to do something special like the Sock & Shoe drive to give back to those who are in need in our communities is a great tribute to September 11th and how it did change all of us.”
Kathi Mills, Program Director for RSVP, said the Ashland and Richland County communities donated a total of 284 pairs of shoes and 853 pairs of socks. Half of the donations will be given to Associated Charities of Ashland, and half to the Salvation Army of Richland County to distribute to those in need.
“This is one way we can help to keep people healthier by making sure that their feet are covered,” said Mills.
A moment of silence and reflection was observed as images of the September 11th attacks were presented in a slideshow, and Mills presented a call to action for those present to remain diligent in their communities.
“It’s not just the terrorists from outside our country, but it’s the terrorists from within that can affect us as well,” said Mills. “No one ever thought that the United States of America would have the devastation of September 11th on our own soil. We as Americans since that time have become very complacent. We are not prepared here in our home.
“I would charge each and every one of you to be more aware of your surroundings and the people you come in contact with,” Mills continued. “If you see something that doesn’t look right or you see a suspicious individual, notify someone so they can check them out. You’re not being a nosy neighbor; you are being aware of your surroundings and what’s going on.”
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson echoed Mills’ sentiments, noting being aware of your surroundings helps keep everyone safe.
“There are terrorists, I hate to say it, all over the United States,” he said. “Keep them in check as much as we can.”
A special honor was given to those in attendance who were active or retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of the military, and the family who supports them. These individuals stood to a resounding round of applause throughout the room.
“There are heroes who walk among us, never looking for glory or praise; they don’t seek recognition for their thoughtful, caring ways,” said Mills, addressing those standing. “Living lives of deep commitment, providing for those they hold dear; steadfast, with a quiet strength, through times of laughter and tears. You are a person like that to me, and everyone else in our communities. You are a person that is most selfless, by far.”
As the sound of Taps on a single trumpet closed the program, Area Agency on Aging Board President Marcia Rice acknowledged September 11 as a day of remembrance in the hearts of many.
“Let’s not only remember what happened on that day, let’s remember how we as a country pulled together through working together and through prayer as we stood as a country,” Rice said.
“Let’s not only remember what happened on that day, let’s remember how we as a country pulled together through working together and through prayer as we stood as a country,” Marcia Rice said.
