OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- From Pasco, Washington to Lakeland,
Florida, and hundreds of communities in between, thousands of people gathered
on September 11, 2002, to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11 at
special ceremonies held by Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance
Society. The ceremonies, called "In Honor and Remembrance - Woodmen Salutes
America's Heroes," included the dedication of flagpoles, U.S. flags and
commemorative plaques in memory of those who died as a result of the terrorist
attacks on our nation.
"Woodmen ceremonies gave communities the chance to come together to honor
and remember those who lost their lives on 9/11, and to salute those who
risked their lives so that others might survive," said James Bridges Jr.,
Woodmen executive vice president, Fraternal. "The events were also an
opportunity for citizens to say 'thank you' to their hometown heroes, such as
police officers, firefighters and members of the armed forces, who put their
lives on the line each and every day."
More than 700 Woodmen "In Honor and Remembrance" ceremonies were held
across the nation, at town halls, fire and police stations, schools, senior
centers and other public places.
In Conway, Ark., two flagpoles were presented and dedicated at the Conway
City Park, where the town had built a flowerbed in the shape of the Pentagon.
At a ceremony held in Omaha, Neb., Ed Cochran, CEO of the local Urban League
chapter, addressed attendees, including firefighters from Omaha Fire
Department Station 20. "Our lives have all changed since 9/11, and we no
longer take the little things for granted," Cochran said.
During each Woodmen ceremony, a brief biography of an individual victim of
the 9/11 attacks was read. This was in accordance with the Unity in the Spirit
of America (USA) initiative, which was signed into law by President George W.
Bush last January. The USA initiative urges Americans to conduct volunteer
projects in their communities as "living memorials" to those whose lives were
lost on September 11. The Points of Light Foundation and its network of nearly
500 Volunteer Centers coordinate the USA initiative, in partnership with the
Corporation for National and Community Service. Partners in the initiative
include DisneyHAND and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
President Bush had also proclaimed September 11 Patriot Day, and called
upon the nation to observe the day with appropriate patriotic activities. As
suggested in the Patriot Day proclamation, Woodmen's "In Honor and
Remembrance" ceremonies included a moment of silence, and flags were flown at
half-staff. In addition to the flag dedications, Woodmen lodge members
provided complimentary U.S. hand-held flags and patriotic window stickers to
those in attendance.
A complete state-by-state list of "In Honor and Remembrance" ceremony
sites can be found at the Woodmen Web site, http://www.woodmen.com . Details on
specific ceremonies are available through local Woodmen representatives or by
calling a Woodmen State Service Center. A directory of State Service Centers
is also available on the Woodmen Web site.
The "In Honor and Remembrance" ceremonies are just one example of
Woodmen's commitment to patriotism. Woodmen's Patriotic Program includes the
presentation of U.S. flags to non-profit organizations, the presentation of
American Patriot's Handbooks to schools, libraries and newly naturalized
citizens, and the presentation of awards to students proficient in American
History. Woodmen has presented more than one million U.S. flags since the
program was established in 1947.
Founded in 1890, Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies
in the United States, offering insurance protection with member benefits.
The Society's 830,000 members, who hold nearly one million insurance and
annuity certificates, belong to more than 2,500 lodges throughout the United
States. Woodmen lodges conduct fraternal projects of benefit to members and
their communities. Projects include presenting U.S. flags to civic and
community organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue units;
providing assistance to senior citizens; and helping communities through our
disaster relief program with the American Red Cross. Woodmen lodges also take
part in volunteer activities that strengthen their communities, such as JOIN
HANDS DAY and Make A Difference Day.
SOURCE Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society
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Related links:
http://www.woodmen.com
CONTACT:
Marcia Heywood of Woodmen of the World-Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society, +1-402-271-7860
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