BY PATRICK LEONARD

For all Americans, the date September 11 is a reminder of the tragic events that occurred inNew York CityandWashington,D.C., in 2001.

Frank Doig was inNew Yorkto live through the devastation and its aftermath.

Doig, a 44-year-veteran of the New York Police Department, served as the main speaker at a memorial service at Dan Crisman Field in Montrose on Tuesday evening to honor those killed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Doig is an NYPD first responder, who spent weeks working at Ground Zero, sometimes for up to as many as 18 hours a day. He related to those in attendance the atrocities he saw as he and his comrades tried to recover bodies from the wreckage.

He also spoke of the stress and pressure first responders face in the line of duty.

“First responders are human,” Doig reminded people. “They do so much for our community. If you have a chance, you need to do something for these men and women. Invite them into your homes; make them dinner. Your safety is because of them, so we need to get to know these people.

“Forget about politics,” Doig continued. “We need to come together as a country.”

Rep. Sandra Major, R-Montrose, spoke at the ceremony and said that that very ideal is what is so great about Americans in times of tragedy.

“My most vivid memory of that crisis is the way our country came together,” Major said, her voice cracking with emotion. “The best way we can honor our military and our first responders is by showing our support. They put others’ lives in front of their own.”

For Debbie Crisman of South Montrose, the anniversary of Sept. 11 hits very close to home.

Crisman’s 25-year-old-son Daniel began working at theWorldTradeCenterfive days prior to the terrorist attacks. He was in his office at theNorthTowerwhen the building collapsed.

Every year since then, she has organized a Memorial Service on September 11 in honor of all the victims of that horrific day at a field in Montrose that now bears her son’s name.

“I started this as a way of remembering the events of that day and to honor Daniel,” Crisman said, as the sun was setting and sympathizers were stopping to give her a hug and a word of thanks as they solemnly filed out of the park at this year’s Memorial. “We don’t want people to forget what happened.”

People have not forgotten.

A crowd estimated at about 150 people was on hand at Dan Crisman Field to commemorate the 11^th anniversary of the attacks.

Command Sergeant Major Don Robinson of Montrose gave the opening and closing remarks at the ceremony. He thanked all of the rescue workers and first responders for the work they do to keep Americans safe. He also asked all of the veterans in the audience to raise their hands.

“I want to personally thank you for your service to our country,” Robinson said to the vets in attendance. “You are the best. Our country wouldn’t be what it is without you.”

Members of the Veteran’s Support Group from the 109^th Pennsylvania Volunteers were in attendance at the memorial, as was the VFW 5642 out of Montrose.

Pastor Bob Kadlecik gave the evening’s invocation and benediction, thanking God for our most

precious gifts- life and freedom. Hayden Brunges, Sam Anderson and Jeff Hughes provided the music, playing the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ ‘God Bless theU.S.A.’ and ‘Great Light of the World.’

Bud Wilcox of the VFW played ‘Taps’ on his bugle and the 109^th gave a three-gun salute to all of those who lost their lives on 9/11