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thedrifter
09-12-08, 10:35 AM
September 12, 2008
Ceremonies revive memory of Sept. 11 victims

By ZACHARY FRANZ and TRAVIS COLEMAN Tribune Staff Writers

Most will never forget where they were on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, but as the years pass, some think about the tragedy less often.

Two events in Great Falls on Thursday — the seven-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks — sought to bring the memory of those who died that day back to the forefront.

A group of former Marines gathered early Thursday morning for a flag ceremony at the Montana Veterans Memorial. As a bugler played "Call to Colors," others in the Great Falls Marine Corps League, Detachment 688, raised the 13 American flags at the park. Then, as "Taps," rang out, they lowered the flags to half staff.

"Everybody knows what today stands for," said Marine Larry Malvy. "A lot of people lost their lives, and this honors their sacrifice."

This was the first year the group did the flag ceremony at the memorial, simply because this is the first time the 13 flags were in place. Group leader Bill Hunter said it is likely to become an annual event.

"It's an honor for us as Marines to come out and perform this ceremony," he said. "It's important for us to show our respect for the fallen firefighters and citizens who died on 9/11."

Scores lined up along 10th Avenue South on Thursday night to watch more than 300 motorcycles, many adorned with American flags, blare through the city to kick off an invocation at the Montana Veterans Memorial. Riders believe the line of bikes during the ride stretched about 10 blocks.

The seventh annual ride was presented by the Big Sky Montana Harley Owners Group.

Motorcyclists proceeded west on 10th Avenue South to 6th Street Southwest, then they came back across the 9th Street bridge and took River Drive to the memorial. Before the ride even began, dozens, such as Dale Rauning, awaited their arrival at the memorial.

Rauning said he enjoys that the community is coming together to acknowledge both those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and the military forces who have sacrificed their lives to protect the nation's freedom.

"To me, it's still very dramatic," he said of the terrorist attacks. "I don't think one should ever lose perspective of what happened."

During the ceremony that lasted about 20 minutes, speakers included Mayor Dona Stebbins, Fire Chief Randy McCamley and Harley Owners Group spokesman Sam Steffan.

"I know it's a tragedy, but we don't want to fall into a hole where we forget it," Steffan said.

Ellie