In honor of those lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the SUNY Brockport ROTC Color Guard took part in a ceremony early this morning. Around 150 firefighters, police officers, military members and civilians arrived at 8:30 a.m. to watch the flag come down, get folded and replaced. Members of both the fire and police departments gave speeches afterwards.
The subdued ceremony was followed by the reception, where local firefighters gave a tour of the historic station and answered children’s questions about the many items in the museum, such as old firetrucks and equipment, like water pumps.
Cadet Kasey Sage, the Color Sergeant in charge of the ceremony, says it was difficult it was to perfect the routine.
“It took us three days of practices and it was challenging, I think, for all of us. I was leading it, but everyone was working hard to perfect it, making it more challenging than maybe what it needed to be, but we knew how important it was and wanted to make sure we had it down,” Sage said.
For cadets, such as Sage, it was essential to get this ceremony right in front of the public.
“I think it’s important for Brockport cadets to take part in the ceremony so they can honor those who gave their lives on 9/11,” Sage said. “It is something that as future officers, we should feel humbled by, to know that some have sacrificed and gave their lives for the protection of others is something that not many would have the courage and selflessness to do. It is individuals like that that we should look up to and have the utmost respect for.”
Cadet Sage’s practice paid off and the ceremony went smoothly. In their closing remarks members of the fire department thanked everyone for coming.
After the ceremony, former fire commissioner Jerry Clement gave a statement in honor of those who put their lives on the line that day.
“I think it brings a higher level of respect to the ceremony to have representation and active participation from every group that sacrificed so much on the 11th,” Clement said.
