This afternoon, I attended a memorial service at a new monument to those who died on September 11, 2001. Ten years later, a memorial scroll with 2,998 names of those who died as a result of the terrorist actions on that day, was interred with pieces of concrete and steel from the Twin Towers in New York City.
This event took place in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, at the Vista Verde Cemetery. The event was put together by Daniels Family Funeral Services.
The memorial service drew upon a number of memorial traditions: a dove release by Enchanting White Doves, a bagpipe and drum performance of “Amazing Grace” and “Dawning of the Day” by the Mac-Tire of Skye Pipes and Drums, and the ringing of a bell for the Final Alarm Ceremony.
Here are a few photos from the event. The Twin Tower Sculpture at dusk during the candlelight vigil.
Preparing to ring the bell for the Final Alarm Bell Ceremony.
Paula Fay with Enchanting White Doves released 46 birds at the event, part of White Wings Over America, a nationwide effort to hold the largest white dove release in the world. Almost 5,000 birds were pledged to fly today to remember the 9/11 tragedies.
A scroll with the names of the 2,998 who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 is rolled up. The scroll was placed with concrete and steel artifacts from Ground Zero in New York City at the base of the Twin Towers sculpture in Rio Rancho.