Patriots Day Remembrance at Buckhannon City Hall
September 11, 2019
BUCKHANNON: Today, the American Legion Post 7, Buckhannon Fire Department, VFW Post 3663, and Buckhannon Police Department joined members of Buckhannon City Council and City staff, Upshur County Commission and staff, and members of the community and press to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Mayor David McCauley, Fire Chief JB Kimble, Councilor and Veteran Mary Albaugh, and County Commission President Sam Nolte, reflected on their memories of that day, the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, the families who lost a loved one, and showed gratitude and respect for first responders, military, and veterans. Congressman Alex Mooney’s field representative, Rhett Dusenbury, delivered a statement from Rep. Alex Mooney.
Mayor’s Proclamation “Patriot Day: A Day To Remember”
WHEREAS, the unprovoked attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, upon America by foreign terrorists have thrust the United States & other nations into a war they never envisioned, militarily or diplomatically; and
WHEREAS, the challenges facing all the civilized people of the world as they relate to the war on terrorism will not end until those fanatics responsible are held accountable & brought to justice; and
WHEREAS, the United States is fully committed to ensuring our freedoms remain unfettered & sovereign for all generations, now & forever; and
WHEREAS, world opinion needs to remain focused upon the eradication of these inhuman acts perpetrated around the globe; and
WHEREAS, one way to accomplish this is to NEVER FORGET that those innocent victims of September 11, 2001, did not die in vain; and
WHEREAS, America can fight back by reminding the world that the deaths of these people will always be remembered & that they will be forever loved; and
WHEREAS, a noble & appropriate way to accomplish this is through the annual celebration of their lives; and
WHEREAS, this commemoration should be conducted each Sept. 11 throughout the land to include:
• The promotion of global peace & goodwill;
• The demonstration of America’s resolve & perseverance to win the war on terrorism;
• The advancement of responsible citizenship;
• The encouragement of patriotism & love of country; and
• The poignant remembrance of the innocent victims who died Sept. 11 as heroes, one & all;
Now therefore as Mayor of the City of Buckhannon, WV, this proclamation is issued to memorialize those men, women, & children who lost their lives & that this proclamation be publicized for all to see & know that the citizens of Buckhannon remember with eternal respect, those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.
May they forever rest in peace & abide in our memories.
Given under my hand & the official seal of our City this 11th day of September, 2019.
David W. McCauley, Mayor
Mayor’s Remarks:
Mayor David McCauley remarks at Patriot Day
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 – City Hall, Buckhannon, WV
Good morning & thank you for joining us for our remembrance of the horrible events that occurred about this time on September 11, 2001. This solemn day marks the 18th anniversary of the worst terror attack in our nation’s 243-year history.
“During the September 11 attacks of 2001, 2,996 people were killed & more than 6,000 others injured. These immediate deaths included 265 on the four planes, 2,606 in the World Trade Center & in the surrounding area, & 125 at the Pentagon. The attacks were the deadliest terrorist act in world history, & the most devastating foreign attack on U.S. soil since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Most of those who perished were civilians except for the 343 firefighters & 71 law enforcement officers who died in the World Trade Center & on the ground in New York City, & another law enforcement officer who died when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, & 55 military personnel who died at the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia. Overall, 2,605 U.S. citizens, including 2,135 civilians, died in the attacks, while an additional 372 non-U.S. citizens also perished, representing about 12% of the total. More than 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks, including the United Kingdom (67 deaths), the Dominican Republic (47 deaths), & India (41 deaths).”
According to the Watson Institute at Brown University, since October 2001, 7,000 U.S. troops have died in Iraq & Afghanistan, & another 8,000 U.S. civilian contractors. The total loss of military & civilian life for all nations exceeds 510,000. But deaths do not tell the entire story as more than 53,700 U.S. soldiers & sailors have been officially listed as wounded in the major post-9/11 war zones.
This morning, we must remember all of those who were murdered on 9-11, & who we lost in combat after 9-11, while being reminded to be ever vigilant & to appreciate that terrorism lurks all about us, always ready to strike, to rob us of our sense of being safe & secure. We must commit ourselves to educating our youth about the threats that good people face. We must recognize that an entire generation of our society has now been born who were not alive 18 years ago. It is our duty not just to remember, but also to teach.
We thank our Buckhannon-Upshur first responders who work every day to help keep us all safe, but- we’re also reminded that we all must be cognizant of the threats to our way of life, and not to shrink from our responsibilities to share information with our authorities about any perceived threats whether foreign or domestic. Remember- often our worst threats emanate from inside our nation & society. There are evil elements among us. I’d ask Chiefs Kimble & Gregory if they’d like to share some words with us…. (Chief Kimble remarks)
I’d next ask Council lady Mary Albaugh, Chair of our City’s Veterans’ Affairs Council to share her thoughts about 9-11….(Mary Albaugh remarks)
Finally, I’d ask our County Commissioners if they’d like to offer remarks….(Sam Nolte, Commission President, remarks)
(Rhett Dhusenbury delivered remarks from U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, who was not present but sent a statement.)
Before we close, I have a proclamation to share- (See Proclamation above.)
Thank you all for taking a few moments out of your day to remember 9-11 with us.
-Mayor David McCauley