Bloomington pauses to remember 9/11

It was a clear blue-sky day much like the one 11 years ago, marked with the now-familiar site of a floral wreath, blaring bagpipes and silent, solemn onlookers.

Politicians, city and county employees, emergency and law enforcement personnel, and residents came together for a simple, common purpose — to remember.

They all turned out in front of Bloomington City Hall early Tuesday morning, the sun shining into the faces of those who addressed the crowd.

Bloomington Fire Department Chaplain Harold Godsey spoke about unity. He spoke about the unity that followed in the days and weeks after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. He spoke about how that unity today seems lost.

“I think we’ve lost sight of that over the years, even forgotten that,” Godsey said.  
No red states, no blue states, just Americans, Godsey said.

“Stand with your fellow American, and remember what we lost.”

Public figures shared their thoughts with the crowd. Shelly Yoder, Democratic candidate for the 9th U.S. House District, spoke about her morning 11 years ago while studying at Vanderbilt University.

Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Bloomington, focused on drawing lessons from the tragedy and finding a way to draw good from the evil, telling the crowd to honor the precious gift of time.

Simpson said she was watching “Good Morning America” with her husband the morning of the attacks. He took off for work at the Indianapolis Statehouse. 

At home, Simpson said she watched live as the second tower was hit.

She called her husband, warning him not to enter the Statehouse. She didn’t know what was going to happen, she said.

“We hugged each other a little longer that day,” she said.

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan gave the final speech.

He remarked on the importance of not forgetting the day, regardless of the number of years that pass.

“We need to keep putting meaning into the often-used phrase ‘Never forget,’” Kruzan said. “I hope we remember in a way that is meaningful. It’s what we owe to those that lost their lives. It’s what we owe to ourselves and to the kids of tomorrow, to work towards a world that doesn’t repeat that kind of unnecessary event.”

The audience stayed placid for most of the memorial, but emotion struck when the sound of bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” filled the plaza.

Penny Caudill, an administrator with the Monroe County Health Department, wiped the tears from her eyes as the final cry of the bagpipe died.

“I’m here to support our local heroes,” she said. “Just to remember the bravery people showed.”

Eleven years ago, she was working in a clinic without access to radio or television. It was a patient who first alerted the medical staff.

Caudill said her memories and feelings are fresh.

At her home church, First United Methodist in Ellettsville, Ind., a candle is lit every week in memory of the lives lost on 9/11.

Yet for many, she said, the memory of 9/11 is known only from a textbook.

“I think there’s a tendency of (forgetting) as the time goes on,” she said. “As young people grow up, it’s history, not something you grew up with. Things like this help remind them.”

Bob Loviscek, president of the Bloomington Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Union Local 586, concluded the memorial.

He said he has participated in memorial events like Tuesday’s ceremony for the last 10 years.

Regardless of the speakers, he treats it the same every year, he said.

“Some people try to make this a political event,” Loviscek said. “It’s a memorial service. Just that. To make it a political event is a disservice.”

Even though this year’s anniversary has not received as much coverage as last year’s 10th anniversary, Loviscek said this year’s turnout at City Hall was heavier than in recent years.

“It’s our responsibility to keep it moving forward,” Loviscek said. “Even if it’s just us and the mayor, we’ll still be here.”