CLEARFIELD – While Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks against America, the Clearfield County Commissioners on Tuesday thanked Marven Smith, chairman of the Clearfield memorial committee, for organizing the local remembrance ceremony.
“Sunday was a day filled with tears, sadness, remembrance and pride in our country and its volunteers,” Commissioner Chairperson Joan Robinson-McMillen said. “And, our whole county community came out to celebrate. We were attacked and even the young won’t forget. But we stood tall and we stood together.”
Smith said the attendance and response at the programs were unbelievable, and it gave him goose bumps to speak about it. He told the commissioners it was an honor for him to put on such a program, and he was humbled by those who gathered together.
According to him, the memorial flag, which was designed by Steve Hindman, flew Sunday at half-staff until dusk and is presently on display inside the courthouse. The flag will only fly each year on the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, he said.
McMillen said it was truly an honor for the board of commissioners to accept the memorial stone, depicting a pair of hands holding the rural fields over which Flight 93 is flying. Then, 9-11 is made from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Smith said when the stone was being designed, he asked the artist, Karen Neeper, for three elements. He wanted the stone’s imagery to stand tall and beautiful so that when someone looked once, they’d want to a second time. Also, he didn’t want the artwork to depict or arouse any dark feelings; instead, he sought for the portrait of hope and moving on.
“The stone was a tremendous gift, and I think 100 years from now, people will be gathering around that stone and remembering the anniversary of Sept. 11,” Commissioner Mark McCracken said. Commissioner John Sobel added, “The stone is an amazing work of art, and we’ll have people coming here just to see it. I don’t think you’ve realized the ripple effect that you’ve created with that stone.”