Marine’s message anchors 9/11 ceremony
“They were not numbers. They were mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands and wives. They woke up that morning expecting to live another ordinary day. And for thousands of families, life would never be ordinary again.”
That was the message Tracy Dean delivered Friday morning to a crowd gathered on the lawn of the LaSalle Parish Courthouse for “In HONOR and REMEMBRANCE,” a ceremony marking 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony began promptly at 9 a.m. and was sponsored by Woodmen-Life Chapter 1145 of Jena.
Dean, a financial representative with WoodmenLife Chapter 1145, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He is also a U.S. Marine veteran who completed 11 years of active duty, including overseas deployments.
“Since 1890, WoodmenLife has believed in the importance of patriotism, service and giving back to our communities,” Dean told the crowd, thanking those gathered for attending.
Dean said that even 25 years later, many people can still remember exactly where they were when they heard the news on Sept. 11, 2001.
“We remember the planes. We remember the towers. We remember the Pentagon. We remember the field in Pennsylvania,” Dean said. “But most importantly, we remember the people.” He told the crowd that 2,977 people were killed that morning.
Dean specifically remembered Betty Ong and Amy Sweeney, flight attendants aboard American Airlines Flight 11, who radioed information to authorities as the hijacking unfolded.
“Calmly providing information that helped authorities understand what was happening … they provided important details about the hijacking and the passengers involved,” Dean said. “In their final moments, they became part of the story of courage that we remember today.”
He also honored the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, who “brought their own plane down so that others would live.”
“The people aboard those airplanes were ordinary Americans and travelers going about their lives,” Dean said. “That’s what makes September 11 so difficult to forget.”
For the families of victims, Dean said, the anniversary is more than a historical marker.
“It is personal,” he said. “That is why we gather here today. Not simply to remember an historical event, but to remember human beings.”
Dean also paid tribute to the 415 first responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001, including firefighters, police officers and paramedics who “ran toward danger while others were running away. We cannot bring them back,” Dean said, “but we can keep their memories alive. We can tell our children and grandchildren who they were.”
He closed the address on behalf of WoodmenLife Chapter 1145 and the community, by saying, “We remember those who were lost. We remember the families who were left behind. We honor the heroes who gave everything to save others,” Dean said. “We honor our first responders who are here today. Your sacrifices are noticed. And we will never forget September 11, 2001.”
“God bless the victims and their families,” Dean said. “God bless our first responders. And God bless the United States of America.”
Dean’s remarks followed the rest of the ceremony’s program. LaSalle Parish Sheriff Lane Windham welcomed those in attendance, and Pastor Heath Harris of Sanctuary Family Worship Center offered prayers. Jena Fire Chief Josh Corley led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lori Gremillion performed three songs: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and led the crowd in “God Bless America” as everyone joined hands in solidarity.
The LaSalle Parish Honor Guard presented the flag, lowered it to half-staff and performed Taps to close the observance.
