Public Invited to 9/11 First Responder Tribute

Voices of Southeast Colorado and Voces Unidas are co-sponsoring an afternoon gathering of the community for a special tribute to area first responders.  The public is invited to the north steps of the Prowers County Courthouse at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 11, in memory of those first responders who came to our nation’s aid during the attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. 

Doug Harbour of Voices of Southeast Colorado said the event is non-partisan, and open to the public, adding, “This isn’t going to be a political event, but a community event for everyone.  We started talking about being able to do something to honor our local responders and we felt this would be the best way of holding something.  We’re especially glad that Voces Unidas is co-sponsoring with us.” 

The final details on the afternoon gathering are still being worked out, Harbour explained.  He said the east and west intersections to Elm Street in front of the courthouse will be closed off and plans call for bleachers to be set up to accommodate the crowds, but, he said people are welcome to bring their lawn chairs along with their American Flags.

Some of those planning to attend include:
Prayer-Lamar Christian Church; Presentation of Colors by VFW and American Legion Honor Guard; Pledge of Allegiance-Troop 218, BSA, Musical Presentations-Lamar Notables; Speaker-Mitch Olsen, Lamar History Teacher on 9/11 impact.  Harbour said certificates of appreciation will be presented to area law enforcement agencies, fire departments from the county and city, CSP, Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Services and the afternoon will be capped by a 21 gun salute by the honor guard, the playing of Taps, and arrangements are pending for a bagpipe rendition of, “Amazing Grace”.

By Russ Baldwin