‘Remembering 9/11′ event features local speakers, music at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
September 1, 2011Kalispell’s top-ranking fire, police and airport officials, who were on duty Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists delivered the deadliest blow ever on American soil, will recall that day and the days that followed while “Remembering 9/11” on Sunday night, Sept. 11.
“We’ve reached out to these key people and others in a pointed effort to make sure that Americans – particularly those living in the Flathead Valley – do not forget the losses our nation suffered that day, as well as the heroic efforts of firemen, police and other first responders,” said Dean Conklin, producer of the event.
“Remembering 9/11” commemorates the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on New York City, Washington, D.C., and an unsuccessful effort by hijackers of Flight 93 that ended in a Pennsylvania farm field when passengers thwarted an effort to return to the east, presumably aimed at Washington, D.C.
The event begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., and is sponsored by Christian Center, the Montana Gospel Music Association, and The Daily InterLake.
Admission is free.
Speakers include Randy Brodehl, fire chief at that time; Frank Garner, then chief of police, and Monte Eliason, director of the Glacier Park International Airport.
Brodehl would go back to Ground Zero in New York City to participate in efforts following the collapse of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center.
Garner, after his retirement, went to Afghanistan to participate in the training of Afghan policemen.
Other speakers include Calvin Beringer, patrol commander of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department; Janette Reynolds of Kalispell, author of “Where Were You on 9/11?” as well as a 10th anniversary updated edition; and Dave Wirkus, tenor singer for Blest Quartet whose life was changed by the events of 9/11.
A color guard is scheduled to open the program, which includes music by Blest, pianist Helen Jones, and soloists Ron Catlett and Russ Gerard.
Sean Morgan, director of the traditional annual Christmas plays at Christian Center, is the host for the evening.
