Although the U.S. flag was at half-staff, the spirit of patriotism was sky high during ceremonies at the Clark Pioneer Recreation Center on Friday, Sept. 11 marking commemoration of the terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda on the same date 25 years ago.

Hosted by the Clark Volunteer Fire Department, it included a 25th anniversary honor walk by Clark firefighters in turnout gear in memory of the fallen FDNY brothers. The overall theme, as stated by ceremony emcee Sam Kuntz, a firefighter and EMT, was “They shall not be forgotten.”

He was referring to the official death toll from the terrorist attacks: World Trade Center in New York City where 2,753 people died and the Pentagon with 184 deaths; plus 441 emergency workers composed of 343 FDNY firefighters, 37 Port Authority police officers and 23 NYPD officers. As well, the passengers and crew aboard the three high-jacked airliners and a fourth jet that crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. And he noted the more than 9,400 additional deaths from long-term 9/11-related illnesses.

The Friday event began with nine Clark volunteers walking in turn-out gear from the Fire Hall to the Rec Center. They were accompanied by bagpiper Tom Bercher playing “Scotland the Brave.” Approximately 100 persons from the Clark community and students bused in from the K-12 Belfry Public Schools site attended the remembrance.

Following ceremonies at the Rec, the Clark firefighters and a huge crowd of spectators voluntarily made the 1.5-mile round-trip honor walk to the Clark Elementary School while the bagpiper piped. At the school, he played “I’m Proud to be an American” to the delight of the Clark students who came outside. Kuntz said that he was impressed that nearly all the attendees made the walk without hesitation.

Earlier at the Rec, besides commentary by Kuntz, there was an overflight by a 1947 Navion L-17A to show respect for victims of the 9/11 attacks. The flight was arranged by Firefighter Brett Woodard, who was also in the aircraft, which made several passes for the observance. “Taps” was played through the courtesy of American Legion Post 84 from Belfry. Several post members attended. The invocation was by Firefighter Tarson Bennett.

Many of the attendees carried U.S. flags and overall throughout the event there was a respectful and solemn atmosphere plus a moment of silence directed by Kuntz. Additionally, most of those present joined in singing the national anthem a capella. Also, Bercher played “Amazing Grace.”

After all the ceremonies, those attending could visit the fire hall for refreshments. And information was available about a medical helicopter flown in by Guardian Flight from Cody and Clark fire equipment.

Kuntz expressed his thanks for event support provided by Chief Nate Hoffert, Medical Capt. Lisa Bennett and Fire Capt. Louis Siemons. He also included Park County Search and Rescue, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Cody Volunteer Fire Department, which provided a fire truck on standby.

He also stated after all was said and done that the starting times for the ceremonies and the walk and return were based on the specific times revolving around the 9/11/01 attacks including the collapses of the Twin Towers.

History notes that Al-Qaeda, the Islamic extremist group led by Osama bin Laden, orchestrated and carried out the attacks. He officially claimed responsibility for the attacks in videos and statements released in 2004. High-ranking operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed also admitted to masterminding the plot.

The 19 hijackers involved belonged to Al-Qaeda. They came from four countries: 15 from Saudi Arabia, two from the United Arab Emirates, one from Egypt and one from Lebanon.