Everett service provides community support, solace
By Jim Haley
Herald Writer
They came to cry and to grieve. They needed uplifting and comforting.
Most of all, the hundreds who gathered in front of the Snohomish County Courthouse Tuesday for a noon memorial service wanted assurance that their leaders are resolved to fight back at the terrible blow inflicted a week ago in New York City and at the Pentagon.
"One week ago today, our lives were forever changed by violence and evil," Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel told a throng that spilled out from the courtyard onto Wall Street. "We in Snohomish County have felt shock, grief, loss, anger, defiance, revenge and helplessness."
The memorial service for the thousands of victims was sponsored by Naval Station Everett, the county and the city of Everett.
Naval personnel mixed with sheriff’s deputies and Everett police officers to form a color guard. Tall ladders from Everett and Mukilteo fire department trucks hoisted a big American flag as a backdrop to the event.
| Memorial note
This note was left with a small bouquet of flowers next to a wreath laid during a memorial service for those slain in the terrorist attacks: “Here are my flowers. White daisies for those who died and are hurt. A red rose for their blood and the blood all humanity shares. “A peach rose and a baby’s breath to remember new birth. And a yellow peace rose, a prayer for peace in our hears and our nation and in the whole world. With love, Mer.”
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Government leaders spoke as 4-year-old Mitchell Morris squirmed in his dad’s arms. Kevin Morris brought Mitchell to the ceremony as part of the process of trying to let him understand a little about what was going on in the world.
"He’s interested in why all the flags are out and what it means," Morris said. "It’s hard to explain it to him. He noticed a somberness around the house."
For Morris, a physician who practices in Everett, he came because the memorial is part of a healing process and a chance to hear inspiring words from community leaders.
"I think it’s very important for all of us, just having a sense of community and knowing people around you are feeling the same thing," Morris said. "There’s strength in numbers, whether it’s fighting or grieving."
There was inspiration aplenty.
An Edmonds Community College chorale group, Soundsation, let loose with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America," and more than one person shed a tear or two — and were too choked up to sing along.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., noted that the events have caused changes in us.
We are taking care of our friends and neighbors and giving money and blood to benefit people we’ve never met, Murray said, and we also have a deeper appreciation for fire, police and military personnel, the people who keep us safe.
"Most importantly, as a country, we are more united than ever," despite the terrorists’ attempt to divide us," she added.
Drewel read a message from U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who was unable to attend. She reminded the audience that the nation began by overcoming tyranny.
"We will continue by overcoming terrorism, and we will do it without sacrificing who we are as Americans," the message said.
Like Mitchell, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said he had difficulty explaining the events to his 5-year-old son.
"Why did those mean people drive the plane into the building?" Robert Larsen asked his dad.
Rear Adm. John Kelly told the crowd that "the terrorists’ greatest weapon is fear," and Snohomish County Council chairman Dave Somers said the real enemy is hate in all its forms.
Everett Mayor Ed Hansen said everyone needs to be vigilant, because we don’t know if there will be another target or where it will be.
Drewel left the crowd with hopes that our country’s leaders will exercise wisdom and discernment, and for "all of us the strength and courage we will need in the days, months and years ahead."
He said he hopes all will be patient and tolerant "in a season of healing and rebuilding. And for our children, a wish for hope and a return to innocence."
You can call Herald Writer Jim Haley at 425-339-3447
or send e-mail to haley@heraldnet.com.
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