The memorial committee has several events planned, including the dedication of the memorial stone and flag at the courthouse square and a parade leading to a special service at the David H. Litz Grove Stage at the Clearfield Driving Park.
However, Committee Chairman Marven Smith said they’ll begin “dressing up” storefronts downtown the week of Sept. 5. Local school students have already drawn approximately 80 posters with themes to remember Sept. 11, 2001 and to honor service men and women of the present-day.
The Hobby Garden Club will also be placing flowers around the courthouse square, Smith said. Because Sept. 11 falls on a Sunday this year, schools have been asked to ring their school bells at 9:11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9. All students will stand for a moment of silence to remember Sept. 11, 2001.
He said the Girl Scouts have made several hundred red, white and blue streamers, which are to decorate doors to local businesses, churches, etc. An American flag will also be placed in each of the 81 tree boxes to add patriotism to the community.
According to Smith, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks, the committee has asked churches to hold a moment of silence for 30 seconds at the precise time each plane struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, VA; and Flight 93 into a rural field in Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001.
Smith said the first airliner struck the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., while a second crashed into the south tower at three minutes after nine o’clock. A third then struck the western side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., before a fourth – Flight 93 – went down at 10:03 a.m.
The memorial committee also hopes to blow “Old Mooley” at the precise time each of the airliners crashed 10 years ago in unison with church bells and community members. A memorial stone and flag will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 at the courthouse square.
The Clearfield County Memorial flag will be presented and raised and then dropped to half-staff until dusk on Sept. 11, 2011. Later, the flag will be brought down and placed on display. In addition, the memorial stone will be unveiled by members of the Clearfield Fire Department and placed on the left-hand side of the Ten Commandments stone at the courthouse steps.
“It’s only been seen by a limited number of people. The artwork on it is just breathtaking,” Smith said. He said a memorial wreath will be laid at the foot of the stone, and a military salute will be conducted by the Clearfield American Legion.
Smith said the parade will immediately follow the ceremony at the courthouse square and proceed to the Clearfield Driving Parking. Veterans will lead the parade and distribute American flags while en route and any leftover at the Grove Stage.
The firefighters, police and emergency responders being honored with those being remembered will circle the Grove area. Their equipment will be parked and on display, where a special service will be led by Psalm 151 of the St. John Lutheran Church.
Smith said the committee hopes to have one or two other groups or individuals to musically engage attendees with faith-based and patriotic music, in addition to a major guest speaker, scriptural readings and another flag raising ceremony.
Any proceeds from the Sept. 11 memorial services will directly benefit the Clearfield American Red Cross Fire and Action program and possibly to disaster relief in the southern United States.