Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ceremony honors September 11, 2001 victims

An estimated 200 to 300 Gurdon citizens were present at the assembly on Main Street, Gurdon Wednesday, September 11, to honor local emergency personnel and to remember in memorial those who lost their lives and loved ones on this anniversary of tragic attacks of September 11, 2001.

Presented by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #96, with organizers Art Cooper, Becky Jester, and Charles Bullard, the event was a success considering the number of events being held the same night.

Cooper served as the master of ceremonies and commented to the audience on reverence for the sacrifices offered to preserve the freedom enjoyed by those too young to know or remember the lives lost.

The Gurdon High School Go-Devils Band provided entertainment at the beginning of the event. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Baumgardner with their grandchildren also entertained the crowd.

Katie Barbaree, GHS student, sang the national anthem while the color guard from the National Guard post in Arkadelphia presented the American flag.

The streets were blocked at one end with the local fire trucks from the local communities.

The fly-over provide the citizens with awe at how closely the plane seemed to be just above the buildings. Gurdon pilot, Roy Ricketts impressed the crowd with timing and flying skill.

Funds raised will be placed into an account to be used to aid local emergency personnel and their families in the event of injury leave, death, or other serious circumstances while serving the community.

Donations are welcome and can be directed through the First State Bank of Gurdon into the American Legion Post #96 9/11 Beneficiary account.

There will be administrators to maintain and implement the account.