Remembering the Fallen Heroes of 9/11

On September 11, 2009, Mary Jean and Frank Fanni of A Touch Above organized a dove release at Scott Lake Elementary School in Lakeland, Florida. Fifty doves flew off as local fire, police, city representatives, students and teachers released them. After a presentation by Mary Jean Fanni, the students and staff sang America the Beautiful to honor the lives of those lost in the terrorist attacks in 2001.

This year, as the ninth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon draws near, it is important to remember that there are people all over the world who are still affected by the loss of loved ones from the tragic events of that day in 2001.

Many communities have set aside special places to honor and memorialize those who gave their lives. They want to remember the victims of the attacks, and also the men and women who were willing participants in the rescue attempts of others.

It takes a great deal of time and effort to organize and fund the building of new memorials, and so, even eight, nine and ten years later there is news of a new memorial being completed and dedicated. For example, last year, in 2009, the Firefighters and Law Enforcement Fallen Heroes Plaza at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho was finally completed and dedicated. A large flock of white doves were released as a part of the dedication ceremony. Even though this memorial was dedicated eight years after the 9/11 attacks, people in attendance were deeply moved by the ceremony; the soaring white doves being a reminder of both sacrifice and freedom.

This is just one example of the many Patriot Day white dove releases performed by members of the White Dove Release Professionals in communities who refuse to let the memory of 9/11 die away with the passing of time.