“I’m really hoping he can call me today,” Nilda said.
Holding to memories
The 42-minute ceremony was full of symbolism.
• Dr. Nicholas Carulli of Vancouver presented a photograph of an apple tree (the tree of life) with sunflowers blanketing the earth beneath it. He said the framed photo will be sent to the 9/11 memorial in New York City. The sunflowers symbolize those who lost their lives on 9/11. He also asked people to sign a book to also be presented at the memorial. He said the book contains the signatures of then-New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani and two New York firefighters who survived after responding to Ground Zero. Asked how she signed the book, Christine Thomas of Washougal said, “I just said good always triumphs over evil.”
• Businessman Elle Kassab presented two table-top 9/11 sculptures to the Vancouver police and fire departments. They are by Battle Ground sculptor Jim Demetro, who was in Chehalis to unveil his four-figure sculpture to commemorate 9/11. They will be part of a veterans museum there.
• At least six other events around Clark county commemorated the day.
As the Vancouver Landing ceremony came to a close, many were teary as the Vancouver Fire Department Pipes and Drums band played “Amazing Grace.”
“Taps” was heard, the fire bell was rung 15 times, Portland Fire Boat 17 sent four plumes of water skyward in the Columbia, and bunches of red and blue balloons, representing those who died, were released.
From the crowd, the voice of 6-year-old Dayne Cobb of Vancouver was heard crying, “The balloons are flying away.”