September 11th

NORTHVILLIANS,

Last week we spoke about Labor Day and the contributions & achievements of American workers. This week, we remember those affected by the 9/11 tragedy, as we mark the passage of two decades since that day which changed our lives forever. Northville has always been a patriotic town, and we will explore some of the activities that will occur this coming weekend in remembrance of this anniversary.  We’ll be having a 9/11 solemn ceremony in Town Square on Sept. 11^th.  

Reflections on 9/11:

• The September 11, 2001, tragedy started at 8:46 AM on that day 20 years ago when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.  Seventeen minutes later another plane hit the South Tower. A third flight hit the Pentagon at 9:37, and a 4^th flight headed for the White House & the Capital building was diverted by the passengers, ultimately crashing into a field. These attacks resulted in 2977 fatalities and over 25K injuries.
   
• It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers…Do you remember where you were that day?
   
• There have been numerous memorials constructed, and this Saturday (9/11) in Northville’s Town Square at noon, we will remember those fallen heroes and the victims & their families – a heartfelt thank you for the event’s coordination by Northvillian Teresa Folino.
   
• Our hearts go out to those still in pain from this tragedy. As Mayor, on behalf of all our citizens, I thank our own first responders for all they do each day, putting themselves in potential harm’s way…And for those in the military who are always on guard to protect our freedoms.

In the past, according to The Northville Record, “The Ville” remembered 9/11 through:

2001  

• Activities at our Victorian Festival that included a prayer vigil with festival goers signing a banner (created by Ron Bodnar of Copy Boy Printers). The banner and a giant get-well card intended for the victims were signed by students at Silver Springs School and sent to New York.
• Thornton Creek School raised $6,441 in 4 days to donate to the victims of 9/11. OLV contributed to the Red Cross and students dressed in Red White & Blue clothing at most schools.

2002

• In a ceremony in front of the Northville Fire station. Firefighters read part of a list of firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11 attack.
• A community candlelight prayer vigil was hosted again by the Methodist Church, as it (and other local churches) had done the year before.
• The north exterior wall of the Marquis Theatre building was converted into a giant canvas for artist Jeff Von Buskirk’s Flag Mural in remembrance of 9/11 and our American Freedoms.

2014

• The “Old Glory” mural described above was restored with assistance of Dr. Demray, Chamber member Denise Jenkins and the Rotary.

2015

• The NHS chapter of Young Americans for Freedom placed a flag in front of the high school for every victim of 9/11. Northville has always been a patriotic town, illustrated by our elaborate 4^th of July celebrations, centennial parades and civic responsibility.  The Marquis mural artist, Jeff Von Buskirk, was quoted in the Record as saying, “I think we have a patriotic town that holds on to its sense of community.”

Keep that Northville Patriotic Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

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