LOGANSPORT — Brad Wilkinson says the idea for today’s memorial service came out of a discussion among members of the Cass County Roosters.
“You can credit the idea to Jim Seehase,” he said. “He’s the one who made the suggestion.”
Seehase said the club members were brainstorming about events they might be able to sponsor, and he simply mentioned that the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks was coming up. He asked whether anyone thought the Roosters could put together a community memorial service.
“That was a light bulb moment for all of us,” Wilkinson said.
He said the Roosters hhad met with a tremendous community response in putting together the event. Seehase, who owns a promotional products company, donated about 3,400 balloons for a balloon release at the climax of today’s event. Weldstar Co. donated about $1,600 worth of helium.
Wilkinson said the organization had other businesses willing to make donations to support the event.
“But there really wasn’t a need,” he said. “Once we had the helium and the balloons, there really wasn’t a whole lot of additional expense.”
Wilkinson said about 10 members had gone to work to put together the event.
“It’s really come together very smoothly,” he said.
The event will start at 1 p.m., exactly the moment that individuals across the country have been asked to pause to reflect on the events of that day and to remember those who lost their lives.
Bob Ehle of the local radio stations will be the emcee for the event. Rev. Adam Speicher of Lake Cicott and Clymers United Methodist churches will offer the prayer.
The Logansport High School Band will perform, as will the Logansport Children’s Choir. A contingent from the Veterans of Foreign Wars will offer a 21-gun salute.
Mayor Mike Fincher will speak, and Logansport firefighter Ted Franklin will talk about his visit to ground zero in the days after the attack.
Representatives of the Logansport Music Boosters and the children’s choir will sell balloon sponsorships for $2 a balloon, and Wilkinson said the proceeds would go to those two organizations.
The release will include at least 3,056 balloons, representing every person who died in the attacks.
Organizers said they hoped simply that the event allowed the community a chance to reflect on an event on the events of that day 10 years ago.
“I just hope we have a lot of people come out,” Seehase said.
• Kelly Hawes is managing editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5155 or kelly.hawes@pharostribune.com.
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