Honoring America's heroes: Fort Scott VFW pays respects to World Trade Center attack victims

Friday, September 12, 2008
Michael Pommier/Tribune Photo Balloons are released into the overcast sky Thursday evening. The balloons were released at the conclusion of the Patriot Day festivities at the VFW post.

Local firemen, police officers, and EMTs gathered at the VFW Thursday evening to join the VFW post along with the Ladies Auxiliary to celebrate Patriot Day.

The VFW post and the Ladies Auxiliary post were responsible for the organization of a celebration for the men and women whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001. This is not the first time that Ladies Auxiliary Post has had a remembrance ceremony.

"Usually we do the POW/MIA [ceremony] during our meeting," said Sharon Reed, president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

The celebration began with a presentation of the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Also included in the celebration was a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony, a prayer for those who are currently serving in the military, and a balloon release.

"We have done a balloon release before at our meetings, this year we thought it deserved extra," said Reed.

Also in attendance was Jake Underwood, a prisoner of war from WWII. Underwood served in the field artillery division of the Army and was awarded the Sivler Star. Underwood also spoke during the ceremony about serving his country in Germany.

Local public safety officers were honored during the celebration for their service and protection of the citizens of Fort Scott.

"We're very thankful for the appreciation from the community," said Cpl. Jessie Brower of the Fort Scott Police Department. "Hopefully someday if we have to parish in our line of duty, we will be remembered in the same way."