Cal-Mum observes the country’s
Second Day of Infamy

   Solemn remembrances, quiet reflections and heartfelt prayers marked September 11, 2002 as the Caledonia-Mumford community observed the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America.

   The elementary school children recited the Pledge of Allegiance as they do each morning and followed it with the singing of a patriotic song led by Mrs. Wendy Ebersole’s students. Later, over 60 students from Mr. Kyle Leonard’s, Miss Janet Maquire’s and Miss Rita Ciuffetelli’s classes made a large American flag with their handprints.

   The middle and high schools observed several moments of silence throughout the day, marking the strikes on the World Trade towers, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania.

   The high school gathered in the auditorium to view a slide show highlighting the events of September 11 and the past year of rebuilding. Mr. Daniel Meier, high school history teacher, created the presentation. Faculty, staff, administrators and students were moved at the scenes flashing across the screen as they solemnly reflected on the events of the past year in our country.

   The Cal-Mum Council of Churches organized a service of remembrance that began at 7 p.m. with two processions from each community, Caledonia and Mumford, which met at the school. A large number of residents joined their respective procession, and led by the Matthew Cleary Post 255 American Legion Color Guard, quietly marched to the bleachers at Hamilton football field. The procession included town and village officials, state, county and local law enforcement, local fire companies and Kelley’s Heroes marching band. The Cal-Mum concert chorus performed beautiful patriotic selections as a crowd of nearly 1,000 residents waited to hear comforting words from its leaders.

   Caledonia Town Supervisor James Layland referred to September 11, 2001 as the nation’s "Second Day of Infamy." Sharing short reflections were Caledonia Mayor Dean Manley, CMCS Superintendent of Schools David Dinolfo, First Baptist Church Pastor and Mumford Fire Department Chaplain Tom Vickers, Pastor of Caledonia Assembly of God Bob Messmer, Pastor of St. Columba-St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Rev. Walter Plominski, Mumford FD President Jamie Thompson, Livingston County Sheriff and Pastor of Living Word Family Church Robert Keeley, Former Mayor and Caledonia resident Debbie Davis, students McKenzie Bonadonna and Regan Sherwood. Kelley’s Heroes Maria Neale shared the history of the song God Bless America and led the audience in singing it. To close the ceremony, everyone lit a candle as the Kelley’s Heroes trumpet played Taps.

 

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