9/11 ‘Honor & Remembrance’ ceremony held in Rayne

RAYNE - During a 9 a.m. solemn ceremony held at the Depot Square, the local chpater of the Woodmen of the World observed the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001.

The “Honor and Remembrance” ceremony was spearheaded by WOW Chairman Larry Menard, assisted by members of the local WOW lodge and legionnaires of Arceneaux Post 77 of the American Legion.

The invocation was offered by Fr. Kendall Faulk, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

During his welcome, introduced were Mayor Roland Boudreaux, Rayne Police Chief, and many local and area officials, along with local firemen and police officers.

In keeping with the program, Menard stated, “In 2001, we experienced horrors that we never thought could occur in this land of freedom and opportunity. Thousands of our citizens and those of other countries lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Hundreds of heroes materialized during and after those attacks, and it is to them, and to those fighting to strengthen our freedom, that we dedicate this ceremony.”

Menard continued, “On this anniversary of the attacks, we each remember where we were and what we were doing during the morning of September 11, 2001. We will probably always remember the events of that day that changed our lives forever, making us realize that freedom is a very precious thing and not to be taken lightly. I know I was in disbelief of what was happening that day, as I’m sure many of you were. We are now engaged in a war to help other individuals in other nations experience freedom. It is a battle that will not be easily won.”

Since 2002, Woodmen of the World chapters across the cuntry have been dedicating flagpoles and presenting flags, not only to honor the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, but also the men and women of our Armed Forces serving in combat. In addition, the ceremonies pay tribute to the men and women in this community who risk their lives daily to keep it safe -- police officers, fire fighters and emergency rescue personnel and other First Responders -- they all deserve the community’s thanks and admiration. Nearly 5,000 flagpoles have been dedicated to these individuals in special ceremonies held by Woodmen of the Wolrd chapters.

Indicating towards the flag pole, Menard noted, “It is fitting that we dedicate this flag today. Our nation’s flag atop the pole serves as a symbol of the enduring spirit of all Americans. The words of former President Ronald Reagan, spoken on another occasion, seem just as appropriate today. He said, “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.”

Concluding, “An now, it is with great pride that we dedicate this flag to all of America’s heroes and victims.” 

At this time, Andrus Fontenot presented a large U.S. Flag to the City of Rayne accepted by Mayor Roland Boudreaux, a donation made on behalf of all America’s heroes and victims.

In accepting, Mayor Boudreaux expressed his appreciation for the donation and asked everyone to keep the mentioned men and women in their thoughts and prayers. 

Members of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, raised then lowered the flag to half staff; at which time, all in attendance repeated the Pledge of Allegiance.

Menard then thanked everyone for their attendance and invited all to enjoy light refreshments.