September 13 , 2005 

Remembering 9/11


60 people bowed their heads in silence at the Memorial Garden in Artesia Park, thinking of those that have been lost by tragedy.

City council members, the city manager Maria Dadian, and keynote speaker Captain Dave Fender of the Lakewood Sheriff Station said a few words to the audience about those who protect citizens from disaster.

Before leading the pledge of allegiance, Maria Dadian gave her thoughts on how to keep this nation great.

Bill Postma, of the Furniture Store, led those attending in a prayer. Postma prayed for President Bush, the Cabinet, the House of Representatives, the Governor, and the Artesia’s city council, asking that God have these people “put politics aside” as “they are appointed by the Supreme Commander to lead the people.”

Postma also said that rather than pledging allegiance to the flag, one should “take out the word ‘flag’, we should pledge allegiance to America.”

Amelia Menzel sang The Star Spangled Banner in a beautiful voice, and was rewarded with plenty of applause and approving murmurs from the crowd.

The mayor gave a few comments before introducing Captain Dave Fender. Fender said “the flag doesn’t belong to one political party or view,” and gave an account of how the flag has affected his life personally.

“The flag had a strong influence on my life,” recalled Fender, “In school as a young student saying the Pledge of Allegiance, in Vietnam as a soldier … and as a sheriff looking at a coffin draped with the flag.”

Fender talked about David Powell, who was shot and killed in Artesia a few years ago; and Jerry Ortiz, shot and killed in Hawaiian Gardens just a few months ago.

“The difference between public safety officers and regular citizens is that when everyone else is trying to run away from disaster, we’re running toward it,” said Fender. “We are proud to serve and protect you, the residents of Artesia.”

Refreshments were served in the Albert O. Little Community Center after the ceremony.
People congregating
before the ceremony.
Amelia Menzel
sings the National Anthem.
Bill Postma
gave the invocation.

City councilmembers with
the Memorial Wreath.
People in attendance bow their heads in a moment of silence.
Miss Artesia Royal Court Members paid their respect.

 

 

 

 

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