Fremonters gather for ceremonies

By Allison Rushton and Beverly J. Lydick/Tribune Staff
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2002 - 11:58:26 am CDT

One year ago, Americans gathered together in horror as they watched the unfolding of "another day that will live in infamy" - the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today, Americans gathered again to remember the horrors of the past, celebrate those who gave their lives for their country and look toward a better tomorrow.

"The whole day should be one of remembrance," said Carole Bean of Fremont, who teared as she watched the American flag raised and then lowered to half-staff as "Taps" was played at Fremont National Bank's ceremony at 8 a.m. today. "It's good for the community to come together and set aside what they're doing to remember what happened a year ago and what some people gave."

"There's a need to be with people at this time," Richard Bean said of why they came to the ceremony and why they plan to attend a special service the Church of the Nazarene later today. "There's a strength in numbers, I guess."

"Terrorists may extinguish our individual lights ... but they will never put out the light of the American spirit. Such a light cannot be extinguished as long as we stand together in unity and purpose," Salvation Army Capt. Abe Tamayo told those gathered at Fremont National before leading them in the Lord's prayer and the first verse of "America the Beautiful."

A song by Irish band U2, mixed with broadcasts of the events of Sept. 11, provided the backdrop for a memorial ceremony at Fremont Public Schools' Learning Center this morning.

A somber group of 27 students and eight staff members listened to the recording and signed a peace proclamation before following members of American Legion Post 20 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854 outdoors for another flag-raising ceremony.

Dale Fenske, Ron Rathke and Leroy Fredrickson, all of Fremont, represented the veterans' groups, raising the Stars and Stripes to the top of the flagpole before lowering it to half-staff.

Also attending the ceremony were staff members from American National Bank, which provided small, American flags for each student, and Steve Sexton, FPS superintendent.

Other services and remembrances are taking place throughout the city today.

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lynne Barton
Jul 11, 2008 11:43 PM
Many of us grew up celebrating the holidays just the same as Addie did. It is like a looking glass to the past. Also the interactions between Jason Robards and Mildred Natwick are superb acting. I never tire of watching any of the movies. It just seems like I am watching a girl from my past involved in the various epsides.

The first time I saw ALL FOUR of the movies on TV, I knew I had seen something very special. I STILL feel that way.
Leslie Dye
Sep 21, 2008 1:02 AM
I'm always so appreciative of people with a writing gift such as Gail Rock's that translates so well to the television/movie medium. The sensitivity she portrays through the characters and situations draw you right into that whole social era, so that the past comes alive and emotionally tangible. I agree that the acting in The House Without a Christmas Tree is superlative, which makes it one of my all-time Christmas favorities.
hossam
Dec 26, 2008 2:03 PM
requia rhajbal i am proud of you.. bent bladi
hossam
Justin Hales
Mar 2, 2009 6:07 PM
Wow. I grew up in Omaha and remember my dad driving us out to Harr's just to get the Cinnamon rolls to go - along with a great steak. Sad to see it go as it definately would be a place I'd take my family if/when I come home to Nebraska to visit (no family there any more).

I remember El Bee's as well. It was good, but after living on the West Coast, it's not nearly as memorable to me as Harr's.
Linda Petrie
Jun 27, 2009 1:32 PM
I am a retired school teacher (38 years) and also grew up in the 1940's. Several years ago I began reading Gail Rock's books to my students...They loved them!! So do I! I felt like I was reliving my childhood..I, too, absolutely adored Roy Rogers and can remember my mother's washing machine (just like Addie's grandma's) and many other references she made to her childhood. I would like to write a letter to Gail Rock..does anyone have an address for her. Her books are classics and hopefully, will live on forever.
Jane
Nov 5, 2009 6:10 PM
I don't know if you ever read these comments, Roberta. I was in the graduating class one year before you. I loved your story. You could tell it was written from the heart. Congratulations on your success! I am so proud for you!