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Eight short years ago Posted in September 23, 2009 ¬ 10:51 pmh.swoodallNo Comments » By Tara Puckey He sat alone at a weathered picnic table. Trails of smoke swirled above his head and dark glasses concealed his eyes. The NYPD ball cap that blocked the bright sun from his face bore a memory etched in marker, as permanent as the loss. Kevin Donohue remembered. “That is my cousin,” Donohue said, displaying the writing inside his hat. “He is—was—the number two sergeant on the city police force.” The correction seemed painful and he flinched. “It’s a hard day.” Donohue was not alone with his troubled memories. Hundreds of people gathered in The Rathskeller Biergartens to commemorate the eighth anniversary of 9/11 at the America Remembers event benefiting a bereavement fund for families of fallen Indianapolis firefighters. The event included silent and live auctions and appearances by prominent members of the community. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard made it a point to show his support, not only to the fallen heroes, but also to those who continue to put themselves in harms way for the greater good.
“I think we celebrate not only those who died on that particular day,” Ballard said, “but I think we’ve made it a little bit larger, to honor all those who have gone before and worn the uniform on our behalf. And also, I think it is a day where we pay homage to those who continue to wear the uniform still, despite all the dangers.” Stressing the importance of learning from tragic experiences, Ballard hoped future generations would strive to cross the cultural divide and come together. “The most important lesson here is to always look for a strong understanding of other cultures because,” said Ballard, “in the end, people will do what they know.” And they did. Together, as a community of people who do what they know, faces solemnly bowed at the familiar haunting melody of “Taps” and shuddered as a 21-gun-salute echoed through the evening air. After a heavy moment of silence, Indianapolis Fire Chief Brian Sanford, a quiet and well-spoken man, said what the crowd already knew. “We just have to be aware that life is short,” said Sanford. “Life is great, but it is short. It is fragile. We need to build relationships and interact with each other. It’s important to be prepared for the times that aren’t so good, but also to celebrate the good times.” And they did. Balloons rose into the evening sky and chatter began to grow. People continued streaming through the entrance, each adorned with a flag bracelet and ready for a party. Formalities aside, the crowd moved to the beats of all-star bands including The Working Hour, Woomblies and Zanna Doo. As the sun disappeared, drinks flowed and the smell of food drifted from table to table. People hugged and laughed, danced and sang, found and made friends. “It’s a time to come together,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal James Greeson. “It’s a day to become family, embrace each other, and support the men and women who selflessly put themselves in peril to save lives.” And they did. Hopeful that the beautiful weather would prompt a better turnout than years past, coordinators urged the community to contribute donations. Since the event started in 2002, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Bereavement Fund has received over $100,000. Despite an evening of successful fundraising, of drinking and dancing and laughter, the night wasn’t all smiles for Kevin Donohue. He rose, passed the waving flags perched around the high brick walls and exited as quietly as he had come, ushered by the memories of lives lost on that fateful day eight short years ago. Share and Enjoy: Military News
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