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Wednesday was a day filled with remembrances and patriotism, from a national moment of silence, to hearing Kate Smith in an original recording of "God Bless America," to area memorial services and the Warsaw parade.
At 12:15 p.m., many gathered at the Center Lake Pavilion for the interdenominational 9/11 Remembrance Service. All those who participated in the program represented several denominations and independent churches.
The service started with a prelude of patriotic music played on violin by Rebecca Benjamin, a home-schooled third-grader. She accompanied the group as they sang the "Star Spangled Banner." She also provided special music during the program and played the postlude.
The choral call to worship was given by the Warsaw First Presbyterian Church choir, under the direction of the Rev. Mark Davidson. The audience joined the choir to sing "America, the Beautiful."
Dr. Ronald Manahan, president of Grace College and Seminary, said the opening prayer. The Rev. Douglas West, Kosciusko Community Hospital chaplain, read the Scripture.
Various area pastors led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; "Litany of Hope," a responsive reading; and prayers for those who suffered loss or injury, those serving our nation and local, state and national leaders.
The Rev. Doug Vogel, Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, one of the organizers of the event, provided a moment of appreciation to all the police, fire and emergency personnel at the gathering. Morgan McClarnon, a Triton Elementary fifth-grader, gave a dramatic presentation of "I Am the United States," author unknown.
Special recognition was given to: Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins; Retha Hicks, Winona Lake clerk-treasurer; all teachers and school administrators; and all area pastors. Mike Cox, Warsaw Police Department, was recognized for his efforts toward planning the local 9/11 events, including the parade.
The closing prayer was given by the Rev. Cathy Johns, Warsaw First United Methodist Church. Following the prayer, she invited those attending to join her in singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."
The parade, to remember 9/11 and to support local emergency personnel, stepped off at the entrance to Boggs Industrial Park at 6 p.m. Two units from the Indiana State Police led the parade east down Center Street, immediately followed by two flag-draped cars from the Warsaw Police and Kosciusko County Sheriff's departments.
There were approximately 100 vehicles in the parade, some draped in black. The parade included Warsaw, Winona Lake and surrounding area police, fire and other emergency units, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, and the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Army National Guard.
Area fire departments lifted ladder and bucket trucks to hold an American flag over the intersection of Buffalo and Center streets. The units included a Winona Lake ladder truck, Warsaw's ladder and bucket truck and bucket trucks from Pierceton and Syracuse-Turkey Creek. The Warsaw Community High School band played from the courthouse lawn.
A number of vehicles took part in the parade. Of particular note were: The Rescue 9 air boat from the Turkey Creek-Syracuse Fire Department; a large 4x4 truck painted with stars and stripes, owned by Matthew Laymon, Claypool, which held local Army recruiter, Sgt. Bruce Igo, and representatives of Warsaw's Army National Guard unit; an antique fire truck from Leesburg that featured Uncle Sam on stilts; the Warsaw Aquatics Unit; and special tankers and grass fire units.
Representatives of the Warsaw First Presbyterian Church distributed water to those watching the parade downtown.
Along the parade route, people clapped and cheered "Thank you" as the units passed by. Along the parade route, some showed their appreciation and support by placing luminaries along the street.
The parade units gathered at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds for a closing ceremony. The vehicles parked in front of the grandstand with all their red, white and blue emergency lights flashing.
The brief ceremony started with the presentation of the color guard, which included Dave Morales and Wayne Wilke of the Warsaw Police Department, and Mike Wilson and Jim Dietsch of the Winona Lake Fire Department. Susan Derr sang the "Star Spangled Banner."
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins congratulated the participants on the parade. He said, "The turnout is inspiring. It's heartwarming to see the public service personnel from the area's communities and townships."
Jack Rants, Grace College chaplain, focused on honoring people who focus on "others." He added, "Your contribution makes neighborhoods into a community," and closed with prayer.
The program ended with the audience joining Derr in "God Bless America," followed by retiring the color guard.
At Central Park the quiet memorial had all regular lights extinguished to emphasize the lights in the fountain area. The fountain was lighted so the water appeared golden. Luminaries were placed in a circle around the outside of the fountain and along the paths leading into the fountain. A large tray held candles to provide additional light.
All events were carried out in an atmosphere of quiet remembrance for the victims of 9/11, and respect and support for local public servants.
