by Chuck Ring (GadaboutBlogalot ©2009).

Quote Freely From The Article – Leave The Pseudonym Alone

Today at precisely 10:00 AM  Mr. Tom Smiley released 28 White Doves to commemorate those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 as a result of terrorist actions on United States soil.

Just prior to the release of the white doves, Edgewood Police Chief Chuck Swanberg presented a chronological account of the events that occurred on  that terrible day. Officers from the Edgewood Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department and fire and rescue personnel from Bernalillo County and Edgewood and Stanley (Santa Fe County) were in attendance to honor their fallen comrades. Edgewood Municipal Judge Bill White also honored the fallen by his presense, as did Edgewood Mayor Robert Stearley.

Perhaps, the most touching attendance was that of the area residents who took part of their day to honor the fallen through their presence in the audience.

As Mr. Smiley released the dove, they rose into the air and circled the area immediately above the spectators until they found their bearings and quickly flew toward their home, which happens to be Mr. and Mrs. Smiley’s residence area.

Pastor Leonard Navarre of Valley View Christian Church gave the closing prayer following  the dove release.

Altogether it was a touching tribute to those who lost their lives and a reminder that we can never relax our vigilance on those who would do us harm.

Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Smiley, Roger Alink and the folks at Wildlife West Nature Park and others who gave of their time and effort for this commemorative event.

To Honor Our Fallen

The image is courtesy of Roger Holden, Edgewood Parks and Recreation

Click On The Image For A Larger Representation