Harold Redden, who played "Taps" on the bugle, at far left, stands at attention as American Legion Post 86 Honor Guard members Thomas Oliver, left, and James May, right, perform the ceremonial folding of the U.S. flag. Also assisting, pictured in uniform, is Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Marlow, of the local National Guard post, Alpha Troop, 1-108th Cav. (Lowell Vickers, Cedartown Standard)
Organized by members of Cedartown Fire & Rescue, notably Fire Chief Sammy Stephens, the event was held in front of the fire station on Philpot Street. A portion of the street was closed off during the ceremony, which began before 8:30 a.m. and wrapped up around 10:15 a.m.
The fire department's ladder truck was used to hang a large American flag above the Regions Bank parking lot.
Identical ceremonies were held at 8:45 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. The times correlate to important events during the terrorist attacks the nation endured on Sept. 11, 2011.
At 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center, in New York City; at 9:03 a.m., American Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower of the World Trade center; at 9:45 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon; and at 10:10 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pa. after passengers fought back against the highjackers and attempted to retake control of the plane.
Each ceremony began with the sounding of the emergency siren at the fire department. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, with the school children participating. This was followed by a performance on the bagpipes by Joe Dunaway, a member of the Rome Fire Honor Guard. He played "Amazing Grace" and "Going Home" at different times.
Following the bagpipes, Harold Redden, a member fo the American Legion, Post 86 Honor Guard, performed "Taps" on the bugle. This was followed by the ceremonial folding of the flag by Post 86 Honor Guard members Thomas Oliver, James May and, from the local National Guard armory, Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Marlow, Alpha Troop, 1-108th Cav.
Others participating in the Tuesday morning ceremonies included members of the Cedartown Police Department, Redmon EMS and located elected officials.
The Cedartown Exchange Club donated small flags, with each student receiving one to wave during the ceremony.
Beeler Insurance set up chairs at their lot off Philpot Street for members of the public to watch.
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