Warsaw Remembers 9/11 With Ceremonies At Center Lake Pavilion, War Memorial
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Two ceremonies were held Thursday in Warsaw to remember the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association held a time of prayer at the Kosciusko County War Memorial at the Kosciusko County Courthouse Thursday afternoon.
Despite rain, about 50 people also attended a ceremony Thursday night at Glover Pavilion in Central Park.People gathered at the memorial in the afternoon to pray for the family, church, culture, government leaders and the education system.
Ken Locke, association chairman, said a prayer ceremony has been in Warsaw for the past seven years since 9/11 occurred.
"We are called to pray for our country and need to pray for our churches," Locke said.
Manda Danner, a member of New Life Christian Church, was one of the people who prayed.
"I found out about the ceremony through my church and felt I was led to pray for America," Danner said.
Members of local and state law enforcement spoke during the ceremony Thursday night at Glover Pavilion.
Robert Rich, Indiana State Police captain, spoke about his brother, Master Trooper David Rich, who died July 5, 2007.
David was shot and killed while investigating a vehicle on U.S. 24 near Ind. 115, one mile west of Wabash in Wabash County.
David served with the Indiana State Police for more than 17-1/2 years and was assigned to the Peru post as a detective.
In 2008, a memorial mile was designated on the U.S. 24 bypass in Wabash in David's honor.
"After 9/11 each American understands better that we have responsibilities and duties, and if the citizenry does not support its police, fire, EMS and service men then we are vulnerable to evil," Robert said.
James Marshall, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputy and Iraq War veteran, spoke about his experience with serving his country.
He was deployed to Iraq in March 2003.
"I am a better man today for serving in Iraq, and through the experience I learned patience," Marshall said.
State Rep. Bill Ruppel presented a flag that was flown in Iraq to the county. It will be on display in the Kosciusko County Justice Center lobby.
"We need to honor those who have fought for our country, but also remember their families," Ruppel said.
During the ceremony, Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock sang "Let Freedom Ring", and Warsaw Police Officer Brad Kellar sang "God Bless the USA."
A Battle of the Badges Blood Drive was Tuesday at Center Lake Pavilion. The public and first responders donated blood to support their favorite police, fire and emergency medical services agencies.
Larry Peppel, executive director of the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, announced 101 units of blood was collected and the goal was 94 units. The blood will be donated to the American Red Cross.
A proposal for a 9/11 memorial also was announced during the ceremony with plans for the memorial to be installed by next year at the Kosciusko County Courthouse or in Central Park. The memorial will honor local law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel.
Funds are needed for the memorial and can be sent to: Warsaw Community Development Corp. c/o The 9/11 Planning Committee, 117 W. Center St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
