By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – With the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., looming, city officials are working to make sure the day is not forgotten.
Mayor Joseph Peterson announced Monday that VFW Post 1136 and American Legion Post 217 will host a commemorative ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the VFW post hall, 633 Ford.
The event is combined with the VFW and American Legion annual Sept. 11 ceremony, and will include the Police Department and veterans honor guards, a wreath laying ceremony and a firefighters memorial bell ceremony.
The Fire Department also will sound its sirens at 8:47 a.m., the time when the first plane hit the World Trade Center tower in New York City. Churches have been asked to ring their bells at 8:45 a.m. and Peterson encouraged homeowners and businesses throughout the area to decorate their buildings with flags and other patriotic items.
Wyandotte Municipal Services cable will broadcast decked-out houses on its cable channels. Those who wish to be included can contact the mayor’s office at (734) 324-4540.
Peterson said he brought in Fire Chief Michael McDonald, Police Chief Daniel Grant and representatives from the VFW and American Legion to confer on the event’s details after resident Chris Furchak approached him with the idea last month.
He said her idea was a tribute to the unique spirit of Wyandotte.
“It’s a close-knit city and the love that we have for one another cannot just be said in words,” Peterson said.
McDonald said he hopes the memorial helps bring home a motto dear to the hearts of emergency responders.
“In the fire service, the motto for this day is ‘never forget.’” McDonald said. “Hopefully, nobody ever does.”