Eubank —  As the years tick away, the events of September 11, 2001 fall deeper into our memories. For many, it’s a time they’d like to forget; others see the importance of keeping the memory alive and standing vigilant on the idea of a secure America.

  On Tuesday night, brave men and women came together to remember 9/11 and honor the nation’s military heroes, both those still with us and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

  At The Center for Rural Development, Somerset's American Legion Post 38 Honor Guard held a to first responders, veterans, and their families on Sept. 7 at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. It was the second year for this 9/11 celebration — and one year before the somberly anticipated 10th anniversary — and Clarence Floyd, chaplain of American Legion Post 38, says that the memories of that fateful day in American history live on as strong as ever.

“I don’t believe so,” said Floyd when asked if people have forgotten about 9/11, when terrorists smashed airplanes into the World Trade Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and crashed a fourth into a field in Pennsylvania following the brave actions of those aboard to keep it from reach its intended target.

“You almost have to be a veteran to understand what it was really all about,” he added. “I don’t mean any respect to anyone else, but after serving myself in Korea, when I try to envision what it’s like in Afghanistan or Iraq, I know what its like. Just to know someone is remembering you at home makes all the difference in the world.”

Floyd conveyed the message that freedom is often taken for granted in today’s society — he noted that at public events, when the National Anthem is played, its often ignored by those in attendance, and he blames that on poor communication by elders as to the importance of those national symbols — and that we should do everything we can to preserve the value of a free country for future generations.

“We should never forget the sacrifices made by others to protect and preserve America's freedom,” Floyd told the crowd gathered in The Center's theatre. “Freedom is precious.”

Following a flag-folding ceremony, in which each of the 13 folds of the American flag was explained to the audience, retired Navy Commander Derek George presented Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler and Pulaski County Judge-Executive Bullock with the American flag. Both government figures spoke at the event, along with Floyd.

Girdler recognized the family of one of American Legion Post 38's own member, the late Charles Coomer (who died earlier this year), for his dedication and commitment of service.

“These men and women of American Legion Post 38 Honor Guard are exceptional people,” said Girdler. “I am amazed at how they represent our community and our veterans.”

Bullock noted that without the sacrifices made by those who stood up in defense of America's freedom, Americans would not be able to experience and enjoy life as they know it today.

“We owe them a great debt of gratitude for what they have done for us,” he said. “It is because of them that we can be what we want to be and do what we want to do.”

The 30-minute program was steeped in tradition in service to country opening with “Parade of Flags,” followed by Pledge of Allegiance, and patriotic musical salute performed live on bagpipes. The event was the first of a two-part program in an evening of family-oriented entertainment leading up to a free country music concert.

Wild Blue Country, a member of the United States Air Force Academy Band ensemble, performed a selection of today's top country music hits on their first stop of a promotional tour through Southern and Eastern Kentucky. 

Floyd called the event a “great experience,” and remarked that by time for the concert to begin, the crowd was almost full. Even as he hopes others can carry on the tradition of the Honor Guard and participate, he was pleased to see so much community pride and support for the members of the Armed Forces.

“What we’ve tried to do is just keep that spirit alive,” said Floyd. “We’re grateful for The Center (letting us do this). ... It gives us an opportunity to help people remember not only 911, but troops still serving all over the world.”