Earlier this morning I drove up to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) for a 9/11 Memorial. I found out the college has gone back to its original name and is no longer known as Herkimer College, as it was for a while. I never keep up on these things.
At least they always keep “Herkimer.”
I got there extra early, because I was a little confused over the times. Also, I like to chat people up before an event. I was there not only to remember but also to cover the event for the Daily Sentinel. I wore my good sneakers, in case I was standing the whole time. I had thought of walking up to it but knew I would want to drive back down and get my article written and emailed out in a timely fashion.
Veterans Memorial Park.
A few guys were setting up chairs and getting the microphone in place. I helped set up chairs. Eventually people started arriving, and I chatted with a lot of them. Some remembered where they were when the planes hit, others had not been born yet. All were agreed that it was important never to forget.
My new favorite guy!
The president of the college and the mayor of Herkimer both gave nice speeches about courage, compassion, sacrifice, and unity. However, I felt the best speaker was impromptu. There were a few minutes before the designated moment of silence, so they invited anybody to go up and say something. Yes, I went up and said a few not very memorable words. Then Sintral got up and talked about community and spreading positivity.
“Hug somebody today,” he said.
I went to get his name so I could include it in my article, and I gave him a hug.
I hope we can remember the lessons of unity, compassion and service that were talked about at the Memorial this morning. I shall do my best. Also, I hope I can find somebody else to hug.
Mohawk Valley Girl 