THE 9-11 ROSENDALE MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD ON 9-11-2002
Did you notice?
It was one long year ago today that thousands perished beforebeing able to say their "Good byes or I love yous" to their loved ones.
And then on 9-11-2002 Memorial services were held all over the country and the world. From the largest cities to the smallest towns.
We had our chance to let them know just how much they are missed.We were able to show them how much we cared.
Solemnly, names were read at Ground Zero.
Tears were streaming down people's faces.
Words of remembrance were recited....and then the winds started to pick up and the clouds were circling the skies in grandeur.
From bright sunny heavens above to a dark and dismal aura of sadness and impending rain.
But rain, it did not.
There were no tears from the heavens.
Just strong caressing winds, as if those who had left us were surrounding us with their spirits and their love to let us know they were there and they saw what we were doing.
All over.... the "Red-White-and-Blue" was being lifted up and our American Flags were given the power and strength of the "winds" to proudly wave from houses, businesses, cars and everywhere else they were displayed in memoriam.
Those winds were the spiritual hands of thousands of innocent people "waving" to us from beyond. Those hands were saluting the country and it's people to say "We are with you" and "We see what you are doing and appreciate it"
Those winds were a way to surround those that they left behind, by "hugging" their loved ones with a warm, spirited caress and by helping us raise our flags so they could fly high in Remembrance and in Freedom.
Did you notice?
Pictures and narration above submitted by Rochele Maucher
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The Rosendale 9-11 Memorial Service is probably the last event that will take place outside of our old Recreation Center. In tribute to saying good-bye to the old and hello to the new, Here is a picture of our Recreation Center sign as a "sign" of good things to come.............
This artwork was created by a Rosendalian, Kathy Julian who will soon be moving to Florida. We thank you, Kathy for a wonderful town logo and good luck to you and your family in your community.
Our Master of Ceremony for our Memorial Service was Mr. William Le Deux from Tillson
Mr. Le Deux spoke of how, although we may be away from where the tragedy that took place, that we too had people to remember for the service they do for our own community.
Here is a picture of a line-up of our own Fire Department's trucks with lights on and flashing. We welcomed the Rosendale F.D., the High Falls F.D., the Bloomington F.D. and the Tilson F.D.
And here are some of the men and women who serve our community....
There are so many people to thank for keeping us safe from harm. Each and every firefighter and Policer Officer in our township. Here are two of Rosendale's Finest. Left: Officer Moylan Right: Officer Ward
We even had a Color Guard present from the American Legion
Members of the Lion's Club, including our own town Supervisor Phil Terpening
And, it's always a pleasure to have the presence of our County Legislator, Alan Lomita.
The Memorial Service also had representatives from different faiths in our community such as Father Flores from St. Peters Church in Rosendale who spoke to us and led us in prayer
Reverand Nick Miles from the Bloomington Reformed Church was also an inspirational speaker
Here are some of the members of our community listening to the words of Rev. Miles
And we bowed our heads in prayer of remembrance and faith
There is probably no one in our township that does not, gratefully, know Rev. Carol Cortelyou Cruikshank or have seen her walking each day on the streets in our village. Her faith and vitality are such an inspiration and the way she can capture the attention of an audience is one to admire. Here is a picture of her as she read one of her wonderful poems.
To represent the Jewish faith, we were honored to have Ms. Zoe Zak of Rosendale to sing and play her accordian for us. Ms. Zak is a Lay Cantor and representative of a Temple in Woodstock, N.Y.
 
The crowd really enjoyed Zoe Zak's beautiful voice and music. It was wonderful to know that, even though it was her birthday, Zoe chose to spend the evening with us in memory of those who lost their lives last year and honor those who help us live ours safely.
Here is Mrs. Schneider of Rosendale thanking Ms. Zak for her contribution to our 9-11 Memorial
Even our local Boy Scouts and Troop Masters were in attendance at our Memorial Service
So many of our community attended this event to honor those who have passed and those who serve our township.
And to end this spiritual gathering, the children of our town led a sing-along
From babies to seniors...all walks of life gathered together to be inspired by the words that were spoken to us and by the hope of a better future and by beauty of the clouds that ended the day.
No artist could capture this natural glory
And....so the evening descended upon us in peaceful beauty and the knowledge that, even in the face of tragedy, life goes on and we should cherish each and every day.
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