To the Editor:

Last week, the Knox Volunteer Fire Department hosted a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Due to the rainy weather, the gathering was held inside the firehouse. 

The concentration of a crowd that looked to be well over 100 into the stalls that normally house the fire trucks took on an atmosphere that seemed to accent the purpose of the event, and the Knox community.  The volunteer firemen standing at attention; our town band playing patriotic songs; and our very special star vocalist, Renée Lussier, singing the national anthem gave the appropriate setting for the evening.

From the sobering words of United States Air Force Senior Airman Ethan Schager, who gave the keynote address, to the cordiality of the Knox Ladies’ Auxiliary, inviting all to stay for refreshments, this was a proud moment for Knox, because it was what Knox is.

Knox is home to people who show their care by their contributions and volunteerism in so many ways and forms.  At the end of that harrowing day on Sept. 11, 2001, the Knox Town Board held its regular scheduled board meeting at the town hall.   I recall the very difficult weight that was on everyone in the room.

The board passed a resolution that day designating Sept. 11 as Unity Day in the town of Knox.  Here is the official language of that resolution:

“A RESOLUTION proclaiming September 11 as Unity Day in the Town of Knox whereas this day will stand as a living memorial to the tragic events which took place in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001 and further that Unity Day will be a day to cause recognition of the united front of the people of the Town of Knox in their understanding of the significance of the fact that we are a community of individuals of different origins and make-up, but we are unified as citizens of the United States of America under a common understanding to pursue the preservation of the freedom and democracy of this great nation.”

That was a statement of the tone of the world on that day in 2001. As I stood shoulder to shoulder in the firehouse last Tuesday evening along with everyone else, it was evident that the uniting element, common to everyone in that room, was unselfish contribution, volunteerism, and love of community.

Last Tuesday was Unity Day in the town of Knox. As unfortunate the events of 9-11 were, Knox continues to rise to the occasion, unite, and move forward with resolve.  I’d like to thank the Knox Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the event, everyone who contributed, and all who attended that evening.  I was proud to be standing with you.

Mike Hammond

Knox Town Supervisor