On Friday 9-11-09, hundreds of us were treated to a very special evening. The place was appropriately the Oak Harbor Wildcat Memorial Stadium. As the sun was setting in the west, our flag flew at half staff in honor of those who lost their lives eight years ago.

The Oak Harbor NJROTC Color Guard proudly marched onto the center of the field. With both Oak Harbor and Monroe football teams lined up on the 40 yard lines as if to protect them, senior Jordan Otruba sang our national anthem. I want to thank him for singing our anthem in the true spirit it was composed. Your performance touched all of us.

We enjoyed a very exciting football game. Our young men battled hard. The game went right down to the final seconds. At the end of the night we lost, but then again, this was only a game. We all know someone who has been in harm’s way or preparing to be in harm’s way. Many of us know someone who has given the ultimate sacrifice. The battle they are in is not a game. You are all in our prayers.

Let us not forget the day our country was attacked, 9-11-01. Let us not forget the act of war that murdered over 3,000 of our citizens. Let us not forget those who selflessly gave their lives on 9-11 in defense of our country.

My son’s West Point class motto is “For More Than Ourselves.” Please, on this day of remembrance, let us never forget.

Pat Ford

Oak Harbor