 by Dick Kauffman September 12, 2002
 Churches in Ketchikan held bell ringing ceremonies and prayer services in commemoration of the victims and community leaders and residents gathered together at noon for an American Legion ceremony at Ketchikan High School to commemorate Patriot's Day. More than a hundred people were present for the event including members of the military, firefighters and police officers. The commemoration began with a solemn ceremony of the striking of the Four Fives by Ketchikan Fire Chief Richard Leipfert. Jim Van Horn introduced the dignitaries present with the introductions followed by the posting of the Colors by the ISC USCG Ketchikan Color Guard. Shannon Charlton sang the National Anthem which was followed by an invocation by Father Pat Travers of the Holy Name Catholic Church. Representative Bill Williams of District One spoke saying that Alaska has already proven it could defend itself against terrorism. Williams said the attacks have brought Americans together and have made our country and its citizens stronger. In his remarks, the local American Legion Post Commander Reggie Galles said our heroes gave their lives and sacrificed their tomorrows so that our todays would be free. Galles asked that Ketchikan residents teach their children the lessons of 9-11. Galles presented the City of Ketchikan Mayor Bob Weinstein with a Blue Star Service Banner and asked that it be flown at City Hall. As citizens across the nation steel themselves for the long and difficult "War on Terrorism" the Blue Star Service Banner - an American tradition - will serve as a reminder to us that this war touches every neighborhood in our land.  City Mayor Bob Weinstein; Borough Mayor Jack Shay; Ketchikan Police Chief Grant Sirevog; Alaska State Troopers Captain Steve Garrett, & Ketchikan Fire Dept. Chief Richard Leipfert The keynote address was given
by Captain Catherine McNally of the United States Coast Guard
Ketchikan. McNally said she can make no sense of the losses of
September 11th. In addition to the massive loss of lives, McNally
said Americans lost their sense of security. Following Captain McNally's remarks, Pastor Kevin Gould of the Clover Pass Community Church gave a memorial prayer. Representatives of the Ketchikan Police Department, Alaska State Troopers and the Ketchikan Fire Department laid the Memorial Wreath and the bell tolls were sounded by Tom Carlin, a WWII veteran. Sam Pitcher performed the taps. In closing the ceremony, Pastor Stan Berntson of the First Lutheran Church gave the benediction and the the ISC USCG Ketchikan Color Guard retired the Colors bringing the Patriot's Day commemoration to an end.
Photos by Dick Kauffman
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