HPD, HCSO, HFD, and Pafford EMS personnel salute the Flag of Honor
A reverent crowd gathered on the Hempstead County courthouse lawn this morning to attend the Flag of Honor dedication ceremony in honor of the lives lost on 9/11. After a few introductory words from Judge Jerry Crane and Sheriff James Singleton, the flag was presented to personnel from Hope Police Department (HPD), Hempstead County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), Hope Fire Department (HFD), and Pafford EMS. The flag was then raised to half mast on the flagpole where it will stay for the weekend. Soon after, Taps was played by an HCSO solo trumpeter while all present took a moment of remembrance in tribute to all who perished on 9/11. The ceremony ended with a prayer from Judge Crane, along with a heartfelt thanks from both Judge Crane and Sheriff Singleton.
The Flag of Honor is similar in design to the American flag. However, in place of the solid red and white stripes are the names of every single person who was lost that fateful day. Those from the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, United Flights 175 and 93, and American flights 11 and 77 are printed in red and blue on a white background. This is the first year for this ceremony and Sheriff Singleton was pleased with the turnout. He shared the importance of this event and his hopes that each year it flourishes even more. “It's a day in our history that we will always remember,” Singleton said. “This ceremony is not about us; it's about the people who are no longer here. Even though some of us may not have personally known those who died, they were all Americans, and it’s up to all of us to remember them. Every year we will build on this ceremony and hopefully make it bigger.”
Judge Crane seconded the notion with, “We’re going to have this ceremony every year on this date, and we want to add more each year and have it grow. There are so many spouses, children, and family members still struggling and having a hard time dealing with the loss of loved ones on 9/11. We need to pray for everyone involved.”
Even though it was a small, quiet ceremony, the sentiment was anything but. On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, the scars are still fresh for some and emotions run deep. But hope is present, as well. For even a small town in Arkansas can pay tribute to their fellow Americans and build something inspirational and meaningful that will be honored for generations to come.
This flagpole at the HC Courthouse is dedicated to the heroes and victims of 9/11
Sheriff Singleton presents the Flag of Honor to HPD, HCSO, HFD, and Pafford EMS
The Flag of Honor contains the names of every life lost on 9/11 at the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, United Flights 175 and 93 and American flights 11 and 77.
