9-11-2001 Remembrance Ceremony held in Mill Pond Park

Practically everyone who was alive in 2001 knows exactly where they were on September 11th when they heard the news.

This past Saturday morning, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks on our homeland, approximately 50 people from around the county gathered at Mill Pond Park to remember the events of September 11, 2001, that so changed our nation.

Sam Crosby, Pastor from San Saba’s First Baptist Church, welcomed everyone for a moment of reflection to honor those who fought so hard to save so many and also to remember those who lost their lives through no fault of their own. He said we gather to remember that life is fragile and that we still struggle with evil, and to remember the heroism of our First Responders and to express how grateful we are for their efforts, their courage, and their sacrifice. He said we also gather to be reminded that we really do need God. We are a nation that was based on the precepts of Scripture. “We are endowed by our Creator.”

After a few more encouraging words from Sam Crosby, John Hand, Christian Reyes, and Angel Reyes from Boy Scout Troop 55 presented the Colors. After they led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Clara Elkin, from Performance Talent, sang a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem.

At this point, City Manager Scott Edmonson thanked everyone for being there for this special occasion as we honored the ones who lost their lives and their families left behind as well as those who were injured. He also noted we were there to pay tribute to those who answered the call to serve: then and now. He closed with a quote from Kim Reynolds, “Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours. And so today, and most importantly every day, we should thank those who serve and honor those that we have lost.”

At this point, Sam Crosby lifted up a prayer of thanksgiving and asked for God’s continual protection, wisdom, and guidance for our country.

Next, Caden Elkin, from Performance Talent, sang the thoughtprovoking song, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”

As everyone was in reflection of where they were the moment they heard about the attack on our homeland 20 years ago, Chad Ashworth, Veterans’ Service Officer for San Saba County, shared with us his moving story of when he heard the news. Mr. Ashworth served in the Marine Corps and is a Gulf War Veteran; he stated he was deeply impacted by the events of 9-11. Chad Asworth ended by saying he prays that we as a community will remember this day forever.

Next, Clara Elkin led everyone in singing “God Bless America” and was accompanied by her brother, Caden, on the guitar. At the end of the song as we all stood in silence, we could hear “Taps” in the distance being played on the trumpet by Rodney Payton, Worship Pastor from San Saba’s First Baptist Church.

After Sam Crosby offered up a closing prayer of thanksgiving and asked God to bless our nation, Boy Scout Troop 55 retired the Colors as the crowd watched in reverence.

To end the ceremony, Clara and Caden Elkin sang “God Bless the USA” accompanied by Caden on the guitar.

Sam Crosby thanked Mark and Kay Lynn Scott for providing the beautiful music and sound equipment for the event. As he dismissed the crowd, everyone was invited to the tables where ladies from Keep San Saba Beautiful were there with refreshments and memorial coffee mugs for everyone.