Community marks 9/11 with Angel Lights, flags
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From left are Payton, Jennifer and Gracyn Nicholson.
LOCK HAVEN -- Triangle Park was transformed Monday into a memorial for Sept. 11, commemorating the terrorist attacks on our nation.
Angel Light luminaries were placed in the park by the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven. The community sponsored and donated close to 100 luminaries this year for the solemn display.
Some of the luminary bags simply showed names. Others were decorated in artistic ways. All were beautiful.
The park was also the headquarters for the annual 9/11 Moving Tribute organized by VETS+. Walkers and runners were seen carrying American flags on the levee Riverwalk and throughout the greater downtown area from 5:45 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., significant moments in the 9/11 timeline. Also spotted were military flags and the official Sept. 11th Flag of Honor.
Firefighters in full turn-out gear participated, even in the heat of the day. Also carrying flags were students in the ROTC at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, and individual volunteers.
Drivers tooted their horns in support of the flags and Angel Lights.
Tiffany Darby and Bryan Evers carried flags past Lock Haven Catholic School. Tiffany recalled that one of the children on the play field called out, "Look, the flag!" It was especially inspiring, she said, to see some children place their hands on their hearts and keep them there, even as they ran to the fence for a closer look.
The Moving Tribute concluded with a short ceremony and "Amazing Grace" played by bagpiper John Macmillen as he slowly circled the Angel Lights and ended his last notes at the VETS+ tent.
The little candles of hope and remembrance continued to burn for some time, until traffic eventually subsided for the night.
The luminaries lined the park's sidewalks. Those specifically remembering 9/11 were placed on the gazebo steps so they could be seen and read together. All were lit before sunset.
A Rotary Community Corps member mowed the park to enhance the viewing experience.
"It was thrilling to be able to set out so many Angel Lights this year," club president Marianne Lotfi said. "We thank the community for such wonderful support."
Angel Lights proceeds will be given to worthy causes. The luminaries will be solemnly destroyed by Carmen Banfill, who chaired the project along with Janine Bruno.
The club is already planning Angel Lights 2024.