Community remembers 9/11 at Ford Museum

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Hundreds gathered Sunday on the front yard of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to salute the men and women who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Boy Scouts of America teamed up with the Gerald R. Ford Council to lead the community in a day of remembrance. Local law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighters and military were also honored.

In an afternoon ceremony, Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and police chief Kevin Belk were just a few of the notable speakers.

"This really gives us a way to recognize them," Eagle Scout John Donovan said. "Even when we didn't really remember the actual event."

"It's something pretty special," Eagle Scout Austin Pratt said. "I've seen footage of what happened and it's just incredible how horrible it was, but how amazing the people that helped were."

In the evening, as the sun set, the Boy Scouts held a candlelight vigil.

"It's not our individuality, it's our camaraderie that unites us," Council Scout Executive Michael Sulgrove said.

Hundreds, if not thousands, lined up to salute the flag.

"It feels good to be able to salute for a purpose," Patrick Donovan said. "To just have something to go against the terrorists to show them we're back, we're not going to quit."

"It's a day of sorrow but it's a day of pride as well," Ret. Navy Capt. Tom Murray said. "The United States stands as a shining example for the world and we're not through yet."

The scouts also had a letter-writing table set up to write to soldiers who are still serving. People were encouraged to stop by and write a letter to someone abroad.

Since 2002, the Gerald R. Ford Council and the Boy Scouts have taken time every year to remember the heroes of 9/11.