By DEBRA HAIGHT

Special to Leader Publications

BUCHANAN — The images of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have been seared into people’s memories in the years since then and must never be forgotten, Buchanan Mayor Brenda Hess said at Monday night’s Patriot Day service.

The Buchanan community has faithfully come together every year to remember Sept. 11, and this year was no different.

Nearly 100 people, including representatives of several police and fire departments, gathered at the Common in downtown Buchanan to commemorate the day and listen to speeches by Hess and other area leaders.

“On this day, we pause to remember one of the country’s most terrifying days,” Hess said. “It is important for us to never forget the sacrifices made that day. Time has healed most of the wounds, but we should never forget how we stood together.”

She then saluted local first responders.

“You are the reason life is better here in Buchanan,” she said. “When others are running away from danger, you’re running toward it.”

State Rep. Dave Pagel spoke about his visit to ground zero where the World Trade Center towers once stood in New York City. He said he was impressed by visits to a small chapel that survived the towers falling, as well as seeing all the damage underground including big twisted pieces of metal.

“We should remember, honor and never forget,” Pagel said. “We saw the worst of humanity and the best of humanity. I think of the first responders who saved so many, it was miraculous how few people perished. The best will overcome and the worst will be defeated.”

Others speaking included State Sen. John Proos, Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey and SMCAS Executive Director Brian Scribner. Scribner said the actions of local first responders who answered the spring carbon monoxide poisoning incident at the Niles Quality Inn reminded him of the selfless acts of first responders on Sept. 11.

Bailey noted that he is come every year to Buchanan for the Patriot Day service, and thanked Faith Victory Fellowship Pastor Dave Mitchell for organizing it every year. Mitchell traveled to New York City in the weeks after the attacks to minister to people, and has never let the local community forget the anniversary.

“Sixteen years ago, we all know where we were when we saw the planes hit,” he said. “We have to continue to carry on. We’re strong and God leads us. We do not forget all those who were killed like we don’t forget Pearl Harbor. We live in a wonderful country. Do we have issues? Yes, we do. But we work and help one another.”

Proos echoed the words spoken earlier in the day by Vice President Mike Pence. Pence spoke in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and recalled the heroism of the passengers who forced that plane down there rather than allow it to hit the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“They were the best of humanity, and we must continue on in honor of those who gave the highest sacrifice,” he said. “It can be something as simple as answering the call to help a neighbor.”

The service was sponsored by the city of Buchanan, the Buchanan American Legion and the Buchanan Area Ministerial Association, and also included an offering for the hurricane relief effort.

Other participants included the Buchanan High School Band; local Boy Scouts and American Heritage Girls; Chaplain David Spurlock; Mike Ryan, representing U.S. Rep. Fred Upton; Phyllis Davis, of the Blue Star Mothers; Rev. Rob McPherson; and Lt. Joseph Hixenbaugh of the Salvation Army.