enterprise feature Sept. 11, 2011 by Matt Smith

Volume 166 Number 217

Sunday, September 11, 2011

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TEN YEARS LATER: SEPT. 11, 2001-SEPT. 11, 2011

From left, Marion Township resident Lisa Tincu stands in front of the World Trade Center towers two days before they fell. Alicia Titus, daughter of Gregory residents Bev and John Titus, was a flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 175, which crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Marion Township resident Shane Tincu was in New York City on Sept. 9, 2001, celebrating his third wedding anniversary with his wife. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

9/11

Lives changed and lives remembered on 10th anniversary of attacks By Lisa Roose-Church DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Gregory resident Bev Titus was suddenly and unexplainably woken up the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, by what she recalls as the sound of the voice of her oldest daughter, Alicia Titus. She immediately turned on the television — something she never did, her husband said — at 8:42 a.m. and watched in horror as a plane slammed into the World Trade Center’s South Tower at 9:03 a.m. “We didn’t know it at the time, but she turned on the TV in time to witness Alicia’s plane crash,” John Titus said. Alicia Titus, 28, a flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 175, is among the thousands who died when hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon. Others died when a hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field. Today, families like the Tituses are publicly sharing their pain at memorial services throughout the country. Such a memori-

al event is a 9 a.m. unveiling of a 9/11 memorial today at the Brighton Area Fire Department’s main station at 615 W. Grand River Ave. The Daily Press & Argus asked Livingston County residents to share their memories, thoughts or emotions about the terrorist attacks. Ford Motor Co. product engineer Robert Egenolf was preparing for a meeting when he learned about the attacks. His first thought: His father, Bruce Egenolf, an electrician worked at the World Trade Center. The family did not know it, but Bruce Egenolf was on the ground floor of one of the World Trade Center towers when it was attacked. He heard debris falling and heard bodies hitting the lobby roof. Robert Egenolf, of Brighton Township, reasoned the crash was an accident because, after all, his father had worked at the former Pan Am Building (now the MetLife Building) in New York City. Continued on page 4

THE DAILY PRESS & ARGUS: LOOKING BACK

Sept. 12, 2001

Sept. 13, 2001

Sept. 20, 2001

MORE COVERAGE INSIDE AND ON THE WEB

Inside:

Livingston County residents share their memories of Sept. 11, 2001, and how the day changed their lives. See page 3A.

Several area residents were at ground zero in the days following Sept. 11, 2001, to help in any way they could. See page 5A.

Events to mark 9/11 are planned today, including a ceremony to dedicate a 9/11 memorial in Brighton. See page 6A.

INDEX Best Bets ............2A Calendar ..............4C Editorials ............8A Letters ................8A Lifestyle ..............1C

Lottery ................2A Media Mix ..........5C Nation/World ....11A Names & Faces ....3C News Briefs ........7A

Browse our online special section, “How 9-11 Changed America,” at livingstondaily.com.

CONTACT US Obituaries ..........4A Sports ..................1B State ..................10A Travel ..................6C Week Ahead........7A

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Sunday, September 11, 2011-DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

TEN YEARS LATER: SEPT. 11, 2001 COMMUNITY

A day the world was altered County residents share their memories of the attacks The Daily Press & Argus asked Livingston County residents to share their memories, thoughts or emotions about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Responses came quickly — and in some cases, in minute detail. Below is a sampling of those memories:

A son’s duty As a military mom, Hartland Township resident Kathleen Horning has experienced myriad emotions ranging from “pride to panic.” Her son, Apache helicopter pilot David Horning, enlisted in the military in January 2001, hoping to earn his helicopter license through the military. The Army warrant officer had just completed advanced training and was at Fort Bragg in North Carolina when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks occurred. He prepared for deployment. “When we got the word he was leaving the country, we drove all night to get one hug goodbye,” Kathleen Horning said. “My son had been protected by me the entire time he was growing up, and now he stood before me telling me if he didn’t come back to have a party in his memory and to tell everyone that touched his life that he appreciated them all. “I thought to myself, as parents, we could no longer protect him; he was going off to protect us. He told me we were just one airstrike from Detroit, and he had to go,” she added. After his deployment to the AfghanPakistani border the first time, David Horning, who is a 1996 graduate of Hartland High School, went to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, in 2002; Iraq in 2003; and back to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 for an entire year. “As a Michigan Military Mom, I have toughened up,” Kathleen Horning said. “The more experience Dave has, the more my confidence grows that he is a very capable, intelligent pilot and an excellent soldier.”

A sign of future peace For Judy Lee Sloan, Sept. 11, 2001, began as she and her husband drove to Fairfax, Va., for the anticipated arrival of their grandchild. They had the radio off, but when they stopped in Pennsylvania to grab a bite to eat, Judy Sloan felt an overwhelming need to call her son. Her son, Jeffrey Sloan, works less than a half-mile from the Pentagon. He stood in his office along with other staff members watching the horror unfold on the television. His wife, Kimberly Sloan, was at her obstetrician’s office for a final visit when she heard the news. When Kimberly Sloan was unable to reach her husband by phone, she panicked and was admitted to the hospital when her blood pressure spiked. Eventually, the couple found each other at home, which is where Judy Sloan reached them. “Mom, do you know what’s going on?” her daughter-in-law asked. “Are you all right, honey?” Judy Sloan replied. Jeffrey Sloan then got on the phone to tell her about the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the “thousands of people killed.” “I felt like I was listening to the Orson Wells drama,” she said. “Like everyone else in the country hearing about the terrorism, those initial words were unbelievable,” she added. Judy Sloan and her husband reached their son 20 minutes after their grandson, Calvin Sloan, was born. They held the baby within an hour of his birth. “In the midst of a national tragedy, a new life had come into the world,” Judy Sloan said. “He is a sign of love and hope, and that had to be our focus. I hugged him close to me. … “Everyone has a personal story of Sept. 11 … and that baby is the hope for future peace,” she added.

Stranded in Canada Howell residents Maurice and Marie St. Germain were celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary when the terrorist attacks occurred. They, along with friends, had just entered the tunnel from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on their way to the Windsor casino for a one-day trip of gambling the moment the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Upon the news of the second plane crashing, they were told they would not be allowed to leave Canada “until further notice.” Among their group was a friend who was in his 70s and on multiple heart medications after surviving two open-heart surgeries. However, their companion had not brought his medications because it was only supposed to be a one-day trip. “If we couldn’t get back the same day, there would be no way to get the meds our friend desperately needed,” Maurice St. Germain said. “Needless to say, we spent a very nervous day, and were able to return to the U.S. on schedule after the border was reopened. However, it did take an inordinate amount of time to get through U.S. customs,” he continued. “We breathed a sigh of relief upon exiting U.S. customs. “We will always remember where we were at that exact moment on Sept. 11, 2001,” he said.

Becky Cwiek of Brighton Township, left, said the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks changed her life forever. Cwiek saw the burning towers on more than 100 display televisions at ABC Warehouse in Brighton. “I made a quick purchase and rushed home with my 3-year-old, only to find out the first tower had just collapsed,” she said. “A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This 10-year anniversary has a special meaning to me. I am incredibly grateful for both my life and my country,” she explained.

At top, Calvin Sloan was born in Fairfax, Va., just hours after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Below, today, the grandson of area resident Judy Lee Sloan is 10 years old. “Everyone has a personal story of Sept. 11 … and that baby is the hope for future peace,” Judy Sloan said. Marie and Maurice St. Germain were celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary with friends Sept. 11, 2001, on a trip to the casino in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Upon the news of the second plane crashing into the World Trade Center, they were told they would not be allowed to leave Canada “until further notice.” SUBMITTED PHOTOS The next day, they had a long to-do list and set out for Howell with the intent of Becky Cwiek of Brighton Township said accomplishing every task on their list. Their first stop was at the state secrethe Sept. 11, 2001, attacks “changed my life tary of state office, but the door was forever.” Cwiek saw the burning towers on more locked. At their second stop, R&D Screw than 100 display televisions at ABC Ware- Products, Adkins walked into a back office just as the second plane struck the World house in Brighton. “I made a quick purchase and rushed Trade Center. “Oh my god; that’s a suicide bombing,” home with my 3-year-old, only to find out the first tower had just collapsed,” she said. “A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. “This 10-year anniversary has a special meaning to me. I am incredibly grateful for both my life and my country,” Cwiek said. Cwiek has been in remission for 10 years — and as a result of her diagnosis, she has changed her life completely. She dedicates her life to advocacy work and is co-founder of the Michigan Breast Cancer Coalition. Cwiek works in the oncology department at the University of Michigan Medical Center while she is earning a degree in the health field from Cleary University.

Grateful for life, country

From routine to disbelief Lynn Bishop and her husband, who were living in the Florida Keys in 2001, had just taken their boat to a popular breakfast restaurant, the Tropical Cafe, where they heard about the terrorist attacks They docked their boat, went inside and found people clustered around a television. Another restaurant patron told the Bishops about the World Trade Center, and they watched as the second plane flew into the second tower. “That was when people began saying that it was a deliberate act,” said Bishop, who now lives in Brighton Township. “All the way home, I kept thinking that it couldn’t be happening; that when we got home, I would turn on the TV and find that it was some kind of hoax. ... “It is frightening to me that there are so many people who hate us and want to destroy us,” she added.

Trip home turns stoic As Carrie Newstead and her family returned home from Maryland, they turned their cell phones off and listened to music. They stopped for gas and to stretch while traveling the Pennsylvania turnpike. “That’s when we heard the news that the Twin Towers had been hit and one had fallen,” Newstead said. The rest of their trip was spent listening to the drama play out on the radio while returning numerous phone messages from concerned family members who knew the Newstead family’s travel route was near Somerset, Pa., the site of United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed. “Our son, Mitchell, who was 5 years old at the time, had said during the trip, ‘There is a huge plane superclose to the ground,’ ” Newstead said. “We didn’t think much of it at the time, but he very well could have witnessed the crash of Flight 93. We will never forget that day, and never had I wanted to be home so badly.”

Birthday elation turns sad Pinckney resident Dorothy Fedorczak Adkins and her husband spent Sept. 10, 2001, celebrating his 74th birthday.

Adkins said as she thought about World War II and Pearl Harbor. “When we got home, I noticed the clear, blue sky — no planes, no vapors. The silence was unreal,” Adkins said. “What a heartbreaking day that was — and is to remember. That, 10 years ago, affected my life in many ways. “It reminded me to see how short life really is, and events like this can happen and come about anytime,” she said. “This rude awakening makes me hug a little tighter, love a lot harder, walk much taller. God bless America.” she added.

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, September 11, 2011

TEN YEARS LATER: SEPT. 11, 2001

Sacred procession A piece of World Trade Center steel taken from ground zero in New York City is escorted Saturday morning on Grand River Avenue by motorcyclists of the Patriot Guard Riders and Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 5 as well as area police and fire agencies. The procession’s destination was the main station of the Brighton Area Fire Department, where the steel is to become the centerpiece of a 9/11 memorial honoring the 343 firefighters who died as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The dedication ceremony starts at 9 a.m. today at the main fire station at 615 W. Grand River Ave. in Brighton. Residents can park and walk to the ceremony, and there will be shuttle service from the parking lot at the Meijer store on Grand River Avenue. For more information on this and other 9/11 events set for today across Livingston County, see page 6A. PHOTO BY ALAN WARD/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Passages

Memories of tragedy, terror

View Passages Online: www.livingstondaily.com

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Marion Township resident Lisa Tincu views the New York skyline, dominated by the World Trade Center towers, days before the terrorist attacks in 2001. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Alicia Titus, daughter of Gregory residents Bev and John Titus, dons her flight attendant’s uniform. Alicia Titus was working aboard United Airlines Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001. The hijacked plane crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. when her mother said, “Stop running. I have to take a nerve pill.” They stopped and both women took a pill. As the women began to run again, they saw Army personnel in their vehicles with guns in their hands at every intersection. “We just kept running,” Seifried said. “When we got back to the hotel, they had the news on the lobby TV, and we finally found out what had happened.” Marion Township resident Lisa Tincu, a former Daily Press & Argus staffer, spent Sept. 9, 2001, celebrating her third wedding anniversary in New York. She and husband, Shane Tincu, toured the Twin Towers, where they marveled at the vendors in the plaza, enjoyed the music on the speakers and spoke with an elevator attendant as they contemplated whether and when to go to the top of the towers. “If you already went to the top of the Empire State Building, save your money; do it next time,” the elevator operator advised. Two days later, the towers fell, and Lisa Tincu said she has never learned whether the man in the elevator made it out alive, but she is forever grateful for his advice. “It really hit us hard as everything about the towers was still engraved in our minds,” she added. Fowlerville resident Ann Jaeger, a New Jersey transplant, still has family in New Jersey. She remembers visiting the towers as a child, including a Christmas party the family held at Windows of the World restaurant on the top floors of the North Tower. Jaeger’s sisters called to tell her about the second plane hitting the tower. Her brother was on a train heading into New York City that fatal morning. “My mother is usually a rock, and I can’t remember ever seeing her upset about anything my whole life,” Jaeger said. “The emotion in

her voice just made my stomach go into a knot. I felt like I was right there watching it as she talked about what she was watching on the TV. … I visited New Jersey this July. Every bridge I drove under has an American flag on it. Every one. They have not forgotten. They never will.” John Titus has spent the past decade grieving for and missing his oldest daughter, the flight attendant who died on 9/11. He described her as a “very beautiful, vibrant, astutely intelligent and compassionate young lady who loved life and loved to travel.” He and Bev Titus, both former Schoolcraft College administrators and educators who split their time between Gregory and St. Paris, Ohio, are social activists who speak out about civilian casualties such as their daughter. “Alicia loved to meet people from all over the world,” he said. “She was very adventuresome. She snowboarded down blackdouble-diamond mountains, skydived and backpacked across Spain.” John Titus wrote a book about his nightmare, “Losing Alicia: A Father’s Journey after 9/11.” Today, he will speak at a dedication in Ohio for a monument that includes a piece of the South Tower. Urbana University, where John Titus was dean of students, established the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund. “It’s been a journey,” he said. “Writing was one of the things I did, reaching out to others and opening up to others when they reached out to us, and speaking out on issues of peace and justice, and against civilian casualties ... “The legacy that Alicia left us with is one of trying to get along and trying to understand different cultures,” John Titus said. “Could it have been prevented? My answer to that is, yes, it could have. There was enough intelligence and enough understanding of what was going to take place that, had they taken some steps at the time, it could have been prevented. “Had it been prevented, what would our world look like now?” he asked. Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Lisa RooseChurch at (517) 552-2846 or at lrchurch@gannett.com. We Deliver to all Michigan Cemeteries

Age 91, of Ann Arbor and formerly of Howell, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2011. Born April 2, 1920 in Brighton, she was the daughter of Leonard and Mary H. (Jones) Brown. Helen was a 1938 graduate of Hartland High School. She had been a very active and long time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Howell, recently attending Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Ellis (1953) and the late Robert F. Hiser (2002). Loving mother of Bonnie (George) Loepke of Ann Arbor, Sandy Sherman of Ilion, NY and Robert G. (Vinessa) Hiser of Farmington Hills. Also survived by nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and her sister, Ruth Schreiber of Glen Rock, WY. She was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m. (in state 10 a.m.) at Grace Lutheran Church – Howell. Visitation Tuesday, 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at MacDonald’s Funeral Home – Howell (517-5462800). Memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church or Arbor Hospice. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.macdonalds funeralhome.com

ANTOINE E. (TONY) PAQUETTE passed away in Hudson, FL on September 3, 2011. He was born November 7, 1938 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He came into the state of Michigan in 1954 from where he retired in 2000 from a 43 year career with The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News and Detroit Newspaper Agency and moved to Hudson, FL. He was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Mary Louise Paquette and son, John at age 19. Tony is survived by his beloved wife Lynne Dolores and children, Catherine Louise (Karl) LeBlanc, Jacqueline (Wayne Szczesniewski) Leonard, Marie Therese, Richard, Robert, Maurice (Shannon), Paul-Emile (Teresa), Madeleine (Keith) Dechy, James (Katherine), Michelle (Craig) Dechy, Anne-Marie (Daniel) Miller, Renee (Steven) Anderson; beloved step-children, Larry (Lora) Smola, Richard Smola, William (Theresa) Smola; 34 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Maurice (Patricia), sister, Irene (Jerry) Sanders, six nephews and many, many friends and relatives. Tony was an active parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Hudson FL; he was a Past Grand Knight Council #2659, Howell, MI, an active member of St. Michael Council #10377, Hudson, FL; an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Michael Council; active member of Pasco PostPolio Syndrome Group and the North Central Florida Post-Polio Support Group. Tony was a past member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Howell where Mass of Resurrection will be held Wednesday, September 14 at 12:00 noon (In-state 11 a.m.). Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at MacDonald’s Funeral Home, Howell (517-546-2800). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HPH Hospice, 12107 Majestic Boulevard, Hudson, FL 34647. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at macdonaldsfuneralhome.com

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DAVE GARWOOD Age 58, of Fowlerville, Garwood Heating owner, died Thurs. Sept. 8, 2011. Visitation 2-8PM Sunday Sept. 11 at Dillingham Liverance Chapel, Niblack Funeral Home.

ARTHUR W. FULCHER Age 80 of Clare, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in Novi. Arthur was born the son of Earl and Hazel Pauline (McGregor) Fulcher on October 20, 1930 in Farmington. Arthur was first married to Diane Lossing on April 4, 1959, with her passing away on October 23, 1973. He was then united in marriage to Patricia Burke on March 8, 1975, and she passed away February 6, 2009. Arthur had served in the Michigan National Guard. He had lived in the Clare area since 1985, having moved from Brighton. Arthur was a member of the Teamsters Union; he had worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Natural Aggregates in Milford. In recent years Arthur had driven several Amish families from the Clare and Gladwin area. Arthur was a member of the Clare Church of the Nazarene. Arthur is survived by his daughters Kristi (Tor-Eddie) Fossbakk of Novi, and Linda (Sonny) Grover of Clare; 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; as well as siblings Jerry, Duwayne, Nora, Betty and Carol. Arthur was predeceased by his wife Diane and a brother Lee. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11 A.M. at the Clare Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Jim Young officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the services beginning at 9 A.M. Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of StephensonWyman Funeral Home. On-line guestbook at www.stephensonwyman.com

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ORA JANE MITTS Age 86, of Fowlerville, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2011. She was born April 9, 1925 in Kennett, Missouri to Frank & Minnie (Lincoln) Sides. She married Harvey Mitts on Oct. 12, 1941, he preceded her in death on April 26, 2005. She worked for Fisher Body in Livonia for 16 years, retiring in 1981. Surviving are 2 sons: Jerry (Mary) Mitts of Webberville and Michael (Patricia) Mitts of Tenn., 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, brother: Paul and 4 sisters: Asley, Daisy, Virgie and Naomi. Services 3:00 PM Monday at Niblack Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Vander Schuur officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice. www.niblackfuneralhome.com.

EDMUND BARSKI Age 88, of Brighton, MI passed away Friday, September 9, 2011 peacefully at his home. He was born December 13, 1922 in Detroit, MI a son of Casimir and Josephine (Majewski) Barski. Edmund was married to Phyllis Beebe for 64 years. He was an avid gardener, W.W. II Navy Veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus and an usher at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Prior to his retirement in 1985 he had been employed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield for many years. Edmund was preceded in death by daughter Judy Ekquist, grandson Robbie, and daughter-in-law, Gina Barski. He is survived by wife Phyllis Barski; children Joseph (Cyndi) Barski, John Barski, James Barski, and Janice Barski; grandchildren Erin, Caitlyn, Edmund, Dona, Jesse, Steven, Kenneth, Brandon and Jennifer; great-grandchildren Thomas and Jordan and son-in-law, Alan Ekquist. Family will receive friends on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Keehn Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Mass of the Resurrection Tuesday at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Mark J. Rutherford officiating. Final visitation begins at 9:30 AM at the Church. Memorial contributions in Edmund‘s name are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Envelopes available at the funeral home. www.keehnfuneralhome.com

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PUBLICATION NO. USPS 316-500 ISSN 2150-5667 The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, published by Federated Publications, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc, 323 E. Grand River, Howell Michigan, established in 1843, is published daily Sunday through Friday in Livingston County, Michigan, and serves the cities of Howell and Brighton, the villages of Fowlerville and Pinckney, and 16 unincorporated townships of Livingston County. Phone 548-2000, Area Code 517. Entered as periodical matter at the Howell, Michigan (48843) Post Office under Act of March 3, 1897. Subscription rates 50 cents per single issue/$1.25 on Sundays. Sunday/Holiday* only subscription $18.50 for 13 wks. inside Livingston County. $32.00 for 13 wks. out of county inside the state of Michigan. $36.00 for 13 wks. out of state. 6-day subscription rates $36.00 for 13 wks. inside Livingston County. $230.00 per year out of county inside the state of Michigan. $266.00 per year out of state. *Sunday/Holiday subscriptions also include delivery on these days in 2011: 12/31/2010, 5/30, 7/4, 9/5, 11/24 and 12/26.

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EDNA IRENE GEER Of Plainfield, MI, age 99, passed away at Apple Blossom Hill, Hartland on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. She was born the daughter of Raymond and Cleo (Smith) Hadley on August 25, 1912 in White Oak Twp., MI. On June 28, 1934 she married Wayne H. Geer and he preceded her in death in 1999. Edna was always the caretaker of the family and anyone else that needed her care. Her life was the Plainfield Church, her family, and the Clover Blossom 4-H. Edna is survived by her children: Roger (Mary Lou) Geer of Trotwood, OH, Judy Jacobs of Unadilla, and Patricia (Bill Genshaw) MacArthur of Brighton. Also surviving are her six grandchildren, many greatgrandchildren, several great-greatgrandchildren, many foster children, as well as her son-in-law, Duke Davis. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Carolanne Davis, sister Blanche Thigpin, and her son-in-law Jerry Jacobs. Funeral services will be Monday, September 12, 2011 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Robert Miller officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow at the Plainfield Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church or St. Joseph Livingston Hospice.

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A helicopter crashed into the building in 1977, and there had been other small aircraft accidents throughout the years. Then, Robert Egenolf heard about the second plane striking the second tower. “It was, obviously, not an accident,” he said. “That is when I started to panic.” Robert Egenolf called his brother, who lived in San Diego, and then his mother. Neither had heard from the family patriarch. While he packed to head home from work, Robert Egenolf’s mind raced in fear. “All I could think about was that he would never see his kids get married or see his future grandchildren,” said the father of two children. It was a long two hours or three hours before the Egenolf family learned that Bruce Egenolf was able to walk safely away from the buildings. “Had the attacks happened a week or so earlier, he may not still be here,” Robert Egenolf said. “He had been involved with installing antennas on the roof of one of the buildings. … His electrical union lost 30-plus guys that day in the towers, (and) he was never the same. He retired shortly afterward.” Brighton resident Sarah Grusin worked at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History across from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, when she noticed the sky “was a brilliant electric-blue.” She had barely reached her desk that morning when her husband called to tell her the World Trade Center had been hit. A phone call from her daughter indicating she saw smoke from the Mall sent Grusin outside. “Mostly, steam clouds twirled into the air, then the ground shook,” Grusin, formerly of Falls Church, Va., said. “Smoke rose from across the Potomac; it was not clear from where.” She rushed back into the office to watch TV when a co-worker asked, “Wait! Where’s the other tower?” As sadness stilled the room, Grusin and her coworkers realized there was another plane still unaccounted for, and they wondered if it was headed toward Washington. “We were paralyzed with fear,” she said. “We were afraid to look outside — afraid for all our friends, our country. … Working in Washington, D.C., you know the city’s a target, but not until Sept. 11 did we really understand what that meant. I am still suspicious of blue skies.” Livingston County resident Linda Seifried and her mother, Phyllis Douglas, were in Washington, D.C., touring all the usual monuments when they made the White House their last stop. They were standing in line a few feet from the entrance when a group of Secret Service agents “came running out … screaming for all of us to run away from the White House,” Seifried said. “We all turned to run, and you could see a huge cloud of black smoke rising in the sky from over the hill where the Pentagon sat,” she said. “At that point, we knew something was seriously wrong. Later, we learned exactly why they wanted us to run away from the White House — they thought it was going to be attacked.” Seifried and her mother, who was 76 at the time, ran toward their hotel, stopping

Obituaries, Memorials & Remembrances

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Sunday, September 11, 2011-DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

TEN YEARS LATER: SEPT. 11, 2001 9/11

Struggle, turmoil at ground zero Brighton pastor was on NYC site when plane hit

Sifting through rubble, bodies; giving respite to the responders By Christopher Behnan DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

By Jim Totten DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

As he stepped off the subway on his way to a 9:30 a.m. interview at St. Paul’s Chapel in Manhattan, seminary student Deon Johnson first saw smoke billowing from one of the towers of the World Trade Center, which is next to St. Paul’s. It was Sept. 11, 2001. He and the other onlookers figured a movie was being shot. Johnson, who is 33 and now the pastor at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brighton, then heard the engines of a plane and saw an explosion at the other tower. “You heard the plane, you saw the explosion and you saw bits of the building falling,” Johnson said. “You felt it more than you saw it.” He and everyone else suddenly realized it wasn’t a movie. They all started moving. “My instinct was get back to the seminary,” Johnson said. He took a cab, and in 10 minutes, he was back the seminary, where the bells were ringing. He heard reports about the planes crashing into the building during the cab ride, but he didn’t understand what was happening. “What in the world is going on?” he said. “None of it made sense.” Johnson was born in Barbados and moved to New York City with his family when he was 14. After the towers collapsed, he went outside to the West Side Highway and pedestrian walkway, which provides a clear view of the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. He had often stood there after daily prayers to view the city. “The World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty were part of the scenery, and not to see the World Trade Center was bizarre,” he said. Instead, he saw a cloud of ash. Another thing struck him about that day a decade earlier: It was a beautiful warm day with clear, blue skies. “For a tragedy like that, you almost want cloudy skies,” he said. After numerous tries, Johnson said, he eventually reached his mother by telephone and told her he was OK. On Sept. 12, 2001, he said all seminary students were called to serve as chaplains at ground zero. Some were responsible for talking with family members who came to the site looking for loved ones. His task was making sure emergency responders had water and to talk with them. When they entered the perimeter around ground zero, they had to walk 10 blocks to get to the actual working site. “Once you got past Hudson Street, there was nothing,” he said. “No people, no traffic. The birds were gone. “It was, literally, (like) walking onto a movie set where all of humanity is gone,” he said. “That, to me, was the most eerie part.”

The Rev. Deon Johnson of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brighton had just finished an interview at St. Paul’s Chapel near ground zero in New York City when the planes hit the World Trade Center. He and other seminary students were called to work at ground zero in the days after the attacks. “I saw the worst that humanity had to offer on Sept. 11,” he said. “On Sept. 12 and 13, I saw the best that humanity had to offer.” SUBMITTED PHOTO Although he later saw the rubble of the World Trade Center buildings, he said the vacant streets stayed with him. “In a city where sidewalks are covered with people, it’s unreal,” Johnson said. “You don’t realize how much to you miss the honking of horns.” Johnson, who came to Brighton in 2006, said he avoided the recaps shown on television of the terrorist attacks, and he didn’t want to visit ground zero for a while. He felt if he went back too soon, it would diminish what happened there. However, Johnson traveled to the site when then-President George W. Bush visited the area and spoke about tracking down the people who were responsible. He said the crowd’s reaction broadcast on television was completely the opposite of what he saw that day. He said the television reports showed a crowd roaring with applause and cheers. “What you didn’t see was the other side,” Johnson said. He said there were many emergency workers who looked “completely disgusted that he would say that.” “If we do that, we’re just like the people who did this,” Johnson said. He said the mood at ground zero wasn’t about vengeance. It was about people doing their jobs and looking for bodies in the rubble. Johnson said it was amazing to see how people pulled together following the attacks. “I saw the worst that humanity had to offer on Sept. 11,” he said. “On Sept. 12 and 13, I saw the best that humanity had to offer.” Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Jim Totten at (517) 548-7088 or at jtotten@gannett.com.

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Once he grasped the enormity of the day’s events, Sean Knudsen hopped in his car and made the 10-hour drive from his Howell home to Lower Manhattan. It was Sept. 11, 2001. At 10 p.m., Knudsen, then a Michigan National Guardsman, was given special military clearance to enter ground zero where two planes struck and destroyed two towers of the World Trade Center a mere handful of hours earlier. He made the trip on his own accord, and was astounded at what he found — despite the wall-to-wall news coverage throughout the day. “There was no power when I first stepped out of my vehicle in Lower Manhattan. There was about 9-10 inches of ash on the ground,” Knudsen recalled. “It was like walking in snow,” he said. Working under the command of the New York National Guard, Knudsen attempted to find survivors in the rubble — to no avail. For the next eight days, Knudsen worked shoulder to shoulder with members of the military and first responders at ground zero. The first stage of the mission was recovering human remains, which were temporarily stored at a nearby Burger King in a large cooler. “I expected for there to be, literally, thousands of injured that would survive, (but) we were just finding remains and body parts,” Knudsen recalled. “We were putting them into buckets, sometimes into garbage bags.” Throughout his experience, Knudsen interacted with New York City firefighters and police officers. A perimeter was set up around ground zero, and Knudsen, among other servicemembers, became swamped with people shouting out names and ages of loved ones who were in the towers when the planes struck. “They were just distraught, and a lot of them wanted to help to find family members or co-workers, but we couldn’t let them in because the situation was volatile. … It was very unsafe. You had to turn away people that you didn’t want to, but our job was to keep the perimeter there,” Knudsen said. “There’s things you just don’t want those people to see,” he added. Four years after 9/11, Knudsen was deployed to serve in Iraq.

In July 2005, Knudsen was knocked unconscious by a mortar attack in Tikrit, Iraq. The attack took place 20 feet away from him. He later waged a successful fight to obtain a Purple Heart medal from combat in Iraq. Knudsen continues to recover from what may be a traumatic brain injury stemming from the mortar attack. Equally challenging, however, is his struggle to live with imagery of 9/11. He dreads Sept. 11 each year but has visited ground zero six times since 2001 as part of counseling. “It’s a knot in the gut. It’s a headache that won’t go away. It’s a memory or a bad dream that won’t go away,” he said. “It’s not really closure because it never goes away. It always stays in your mind — the memory, the people,” he added.

Another vantage point About a block from New York’s ground zero, Don Cortez was among dozens of volunteers stationed at St. Paul’s Chapel providing fresh supplies and a resting place for first responders and volunteers. Cortez was one of 75 volunteers from Shalom Lutheran Church in Putnam Township who volunteered at St. Paul’s in October and November 2001. While most churches are welcoming to all, this one had to carefully watch who was let in and out, he explained. “It was really kind of a cordoned-off area. We had to show credentials to get to the church,” Cortez said. An iron gate in front of St. Paul’s appears in scores of 9/11 photos because it became a makeshift memorial for victims of the attacks. By the time of Cortez’s trip in November, the gate was covered with remembrances of loved ones, as well as thank-you notes to first responders who risked — and in many cases, gave — their lives Sept. 11, 2001. “It wrenches your heart,” Cortez said. Upon his arrival, he noticed that windows had been blown out in buildings seven blocks out from the church. The church, meanwhile, was unharmed, as was a cemetery behind it. “That was tremendous realizing at that point that, ‘You know what? There’s somebody bigger than us that worked here,’ ” he said. Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Christopher Behnan at (517) 548-7108 or at cbehnan@gannett.com.

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, September 11, 2011

TEN YEARS LATER: SEPT. 11, 2001 9/11

First deployment for volunteer was unparalleled

PRESS & ARGUS

9/11 EVENTS • The Brighton Area Fire Department will hold a dedication today for its unveiling of a 9/11 memorial that honors the 343 firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m. at the main fire station at 615 W. Grand River Ave. in Brighton. Grand River Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Cross Street starting at 8 a.m. today, and it will be reopened at 11 a.m. Residents can park and walk to the ceremony, and there will be shuttle service from the parking lot at Meijer. The memorial has a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, and the steel piece is suspended among four steel beams in front of the Brighton Area Fire Department’s main station. Lindhout Associates Architects designed the memorial, and numerous Brightonarea businesses and organizations donated their services and materials to construct this memorial with no expense to taxpayers. Speakers will include Brighton Fire Chief Larry Lane; Brighton Mayor Ricci Bandkau; state Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Genoa Township; U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, and the Rev. Deon Johnson of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In April, five Brighton firefighters drove 12 hours to pick up the artifact of the World Trade Center from the Port Authority of New York. • The Ride for the Red will raise money for the Livingston County chapter of the American Red Cross. Motorcyclists will go on a 60-mile ride through Livingston and Washtenaw counties immediately following today’s 9/11 memorial dedication. The ride ends at Burroughs Tavern, 5311 Brighton Road in Genoa Township. • RE/MAX Platinum will hold a memorial service at 2 p.m. today at 6870 Grand River Ave., Genoa Township. Realtors will place 3,000 flags in rows on the company’s front lawn to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. The Rev. Bradley Trask will provide a eulogy and prayer service, and trumpeter Gerald Weingerter will perform “Taps.” STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT LIVINGSTON COUNTY ESTATE OF MARIE M. O’SHAUGHNESSY, DECEASED. DATE OF BIRTH: 03-211924, FILE NO. 2011-335635DE. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marie M. O’Shaughnessy, who lived at 11745 Brandywine Drive, Brighton, Michigan died 11-072004. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Alvin O’Shaughnessy, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Dated: 9-6-11 Alvin O’Shaughnessy Personal Representative 11745 Brandywine Drive Brighton, MI 48114 810-229-0890 ATTORNEY: Gregory G. Dean (P49542), 407 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843, 248-921-5098. (9-11-11 DAILY 538121)

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

The smell of ground zero is always with Joan Meinke. “(It) is always in my mind in some way, be it a burning building or something else. It was unlike anything I’ve ever smelled before. There were so many elements in the smell.” she said. “I definitely think about that experience every day because a lot of different things remind me of it,” Meinke added. A volunteer for the American Red Cross for about a year-and-a-half in September 2001, Meinke had not yet been deployed to assist in any relief efforts. That changed at 7:12 p.m. Sept. 11, 2001, when she received a phone call from the mid-Michigan chapter requesting her services following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “I immediately said, ‘Of course, I’ll go,’ ” said Meinke, now the interim director of the Livingston County chapter of the American Red Cross. “Then, I thought about the fact that this would be my first deployment, so I talked it over with my husband, and his response was, ‘Of course, you should go.’ ” Meinke’s husband supported the trip because his health at the time would not allow him to help the victims of the worst attack on American soil in history. Meinke headed Sept. 30, 2001, to New York’s LaGuardia Airport from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Naturally, airport security had already been tightened, she said, and she noticed a large number of National Guard troops stationed in the airport. While many Americans had apprehensions about flying following the attacks, Meinke said she didn’t have time to worry. “When I got ready to go and started packing, I was just focused on how I could help when I got to my assignment and how I could represent the American Red Cross,” Meinke said. Meinke and other volunteers were housed in a Manhattan hotel about two blocks away from the headquarters of the United Nations. The Red Cross and other organizations received a discounted rate on rooms, she said, because no tourists were coming into the city at that time. “My room was on the 35th floor,” Meinke said, “and I can remember looking down into Lower Manhattan

“It helped me put life into a different perspective. All we’re really given is today. I appreciate every day, and now think about how I’m going to live every day. What a humbling experience that was.” JOAN MEINKE Interim director, Livingston County chapter of the American Red Cross

and seeing smoke rising from where the towers fell — three weeks after the disaster took place.” Meinke, who has since aided relief efforts in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and Joplin, Mo.; following flooding and tornadoes, was a part of the second wave of disaster responders deployed to New York. She worked at ground zero in a dining area that was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for three weeks. Volunteers, Meinke said, worked 12-hour shifts, serving firefighters, police officers, government officials from organizations such as the CIA and FBI, and utility workers. “I was sitting talking with one worker one day, and I got up to refill his coffee and he said he had to get back to work,” Meinke said. “One tear streamed down his face. His cousin had been missing. By that time, it was thought no one would be able to find him, but the worker hadn’t given up hope.” Meinke was in a state of shock seeing the affected area for the first time. “I stopped in my tracks,” Meinke said. “It was so abrupt, the person behind me bumped right into me.” Meinke said her stay in New York made her appreciate every day. “It helped me put life into a different perspective,” Meinke said. “All we’re really given is today. I appreciate every day, and now think about how I’m going to live every day. What a humbling experience that was.”

POLITICS

Officials reflect on anniversary Livingston County’s state and national lawmakers, as well as Michigan officials, shared their thoughts on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: • State Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Genoa Township, honored Brighton Area Fire Chief Larry Lane and Fire Marshal Michael O’Brian last week in Lansing. “Sept. 11 will always be an important day for our country, and it was fitting to have a ceremony to commemorate the lives lost in 2001 on the House floor today,” Rogers said last week. “Our first responders are truly heroes of our communities, and I want to thank Chief Lane, … O’Brian and all the first responders for putting their lives on the line every day for our safety,” he added. • State Rep. Cindy Denby, R-Handy Township, honored Hartland Area Fire Chief Adam Carroll and Fowlerville Police Chief Thomas Couling last week in Lansing. “Today’s ceremony was the perfect way to honor those who lost their lives in the horrific tragedy of 9/11 and honor those first responders who protect us from harm on a daily basis,” Denby said last week. “I was honored to have Chiefs Carroll

The City of Brighton City Manager Dana Foster will conduct upcoming Informational Meetings regarding recent Citizen recommended Public Improvement Needs and related Citizens' Recommendations on how to fund Public Improvement Needs for the Brighton community. The recommendations are related to a report from a Citizens Advisory Task Force presented to the Brighton City Council in the Spring of 2011. The Informational Meetings on Public Improvements & a related Possible Funding plan for the improvements will be conducted at the City of Brighton City Hall in the City Council Meeting Room on the following dates and times: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm Brighton City Hall is located 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116. At these informational meetings, the City Manager will first give a slide presentation regarding the City of Brighton's pending public improvement needs. The slide presentation will also address the question of why the City's budget has been unable to provide funding for several important needed public improvements that have been deferred for several years. The slide presentation will also summarize the recommendations for how to fund critical public improvements that were submitted to the City Council by a Citizens Advisory Task Force on Capital Improvements Funding. After the slide presentation, the City Manager will then answer questions from citizens who are in attendance at the two informational meetings. The City Manager will also ask the audience to provide suggestions and inputs regarding public improvement needs in our city. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend the two information meetings to participate in a public conversation about what Public Improvements are needed the most in the City of Brighton and how to pay for or finance the Improvements. The City Manager and other city staff members in attendance will also relay suggestions and inputs from the audience to the City Council. The City Manager will also have handouts of City budget related information available at the meetings for citizens in attendance to take home for further review which will provide additional detail that the City Manager will not have time to cover in the slide presentation. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 2258001, at least three business days prior to the meeting/function. DANA W. FOSTER CITY MANAGER

and Couling join me for this ceremony and thank them for being dedicated to the safety of our area residents,” she continued. • “As we observe this solemn anniversary, it is appropriate that we look to the future as well. Let each of us commit to share our time and talents to build a stronger Michigan and America,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. • Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said: “Our hearts go out to the nearly 3,000 families who lost loved ones in that difficult hour for America. May God be with them as we recall the events of that tragic day 10 years ago. We must rededicate ourselves to protecting and defending this land of the free and home of the brave. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.’ ” • U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said: “The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is a time for our country to remember those who lost their lives and pay tribute to the first responders and troops who sacrificed so much then, and continue to put their lives on the line for all of us today. This is a time to put politics aside and renew the spirit of unity, cooperation and public service that engulfed our nation a decade ago.”

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Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Jason Carmel Davis at (517) 552-2857 or at jcdavis@gannett.com.

CITY OF BRIGHTON PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING NOTICE

(9-4/11/25-11 DAILY 537664)

From left, state Rep. Joe Hune, R-Hamburg Township; Brighton Area Fire Chief Larry Lane; Brighton Fire Marshal Michael O’Brian; and state Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Genoa Township, stand in the Capitol Rotunda in Lansing as lawmakers honored some of the first responders in the state in dedication to the 9/11 anniversary. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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PHOTO BY ALAN WARD/DAILY

By Jason Carmel Davis

both past and present This Veteran’s Day, we will honor the men and women of the armed forces, both past & present, by recognizing them in our special American Heroes page on November 11th. Help us recognize those who serve their country. Place their photo in the special keepsake edition of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus on November 11th, 2011. Deadline is November 4th. Limited space available. Chris Powell, Air Force Military Police

CLIP & MAIL Mail picture along with payment of $25 check or credit card to: Daily Press & Argus/Class of 2011 323 E. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843 If you have any questions please call 517-548-2000 ask for Rosanne or Patti.

Service Member/ Veteran: Your Name & Number: Message (20 words or less, please):

Charge to my Visa or MC Acct. # Exp.

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A member of the Patriot Guard Riders hugs Gold Star mother Teri Johnson as they talk about her son, Spc. Joseph Johnson, killed in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on June 10, 2010. Military Families United held an event Saturday from 1-4 p.m. to honor Gold Star families — families of those who have died in combat — at the Howell Armory.

DAILY PRESS & ARGUS-Sunday, September 11, 2011

Opinion Quotes echo decade after memorable day Ten years ago, when America suffered its worst terrorist attack, our newspaper was barely a year old. The next morning, our newspaper produced 18 pages of coverage from the event that has become etched in American minds as 9/11. Our voices included the voices of many, some in high positions and some regular people, all of whom were trying to make sense of an action that made no sense. What follows are some quotes that appeared in that memorable edition. “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.” President George W. Bush

“This is the most grievous and cowardly act ever subjected on the United States.” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers R-BRIGHTON

“We’re Americans. We are not going to be intimidated. But we are going to be cautious.” Gov. John Engler

“America’s been attacked. Those who attacked us will pay a price.” U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin D-ILL.

“Parents needs to reassure their children everywhere in our country that they’re safe.” First lady Laura Bush

“I do know that this country will not roll over and play dead. But unfortunately it will probably cause more violence.” Doug Ross

Rich Perlberg GENERAL MANAGER/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Mike Malott METRO EDITOR

Detroit Roman Catholic Archbishop Adam Maida

tians, Muslims and Jews — condemn this vicious act of cowardice.”

“We have been attacked like we haven’t since Pearl Harbor.”

U.S. Rep. David Bonior

COMMANDER, U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET

Adm. Robert J. Natter D-MOUNT CLEMENS

“America must lead the civilized world in a relentless campaign to root out and defeat terrorists and terrorist states.”

WHITMORE LAKE

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin

“It’s an historical moment. Every young person is going to remember where they were when this happened.”

changed forever. I am horrified by the magnitude and brutality of the hijackings and subsequent terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon.”

“Pray that the tragedy of today be not forgotten tomorrow.” Sign in front of a Livingston County business

“I feel like going to war again. No mercy.”

D-DETROIT

Felix Novelli

“We have no reason to believe any building in Michigan is a target.”

Dan Garber Col. Mike Robinson

CHIEF ASSISTANT LIVINGSTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR

MICHIGAN STATE POLICE DIRECTOR

“All Americans — Chris-

“Life in America has been

WORLD WAR II VETERAN, NEW YORK CITY

“It is premature to level allegations against a person who is not in a position to carry out such attacks. It was a well-organized plan and Osama (bin Laden) has no

such facilities.” Abdul Salam Zaeef TALIBAN AMBASSADOR IN PAKISTAN

“The number of casualties will be more than most of us can bear.” New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

“We’re scared like everybody else. People have families out there. One of our parishioners has a son who works in New York. These are human responses.” The Rev. William Thomas HOLY SPIRIT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP

“I can’t believe what happened to so many innocent people. I’ll always remember this day.” Marisol Castillo PASSENGER AT DETROIT METROPOLITAN AIRPORT

“A this time of great national tragedy, I call for our nation

Be grateful for America’s military families ly dicey, he said. The folks When her dad made a surwhere he was stationed, prise visit to her first-grade he said, seem to realize classroom, 6-year-old Isabelthat the Americans were la Horvath showed him her promising a lot better locker. option than the Taliban. That made sense. He had So when was the last never seen it before. He certime you could compare, tainly didn’t get to see it on from firsthand experithe first day of school. ence, the relative safety That’s because he was in of northern versus southAfghanistan, where he was ern Afghanistan? stationed most of the time We ran a front-page since leaving home in story Friday about January for a short training Horvath’s surprise homestint in Wisconsin. Tim Horvath, an Oceola EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND coming at Isabella’s classroom at Hutchings EleTownship resident who is a GENERAL MANAGER mentary School in Oceola first sergeant for the 127th Civil Engineering Squadron of the Air Township. You’d have to be pretty coldNational Guard, is a good guy to think hearted not to be moved by the photo of about amid the endless stories com- a beaming Horvath, arms full of his memorating the 10th anniversary of two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Gabby, 3. the 9/11 attacks. How many school events, birthdays Shortly after jets piloted by murderous terrorists crashed into the and other special moments do these World Trade Center, the Pentagon and men and women miss because they are a field in Pennsylvania, there was a serving their country? Protecting us. Their families serve, too. They miss common theme: The world has their dads and moms. Spouses like changed for all of us. Somewhat true. A sense of fear, Tracy Horvath run a households by sometimes dulled, sometimes height- themselves while worrying about a ened. As I write this, officials are talk- loved one half a world away. For ing about “specific, credible” reports them, news broadcasts about battles of possible al-Qaida attacks aimed and casualties are more than background noise. perhaps at New York or Washington. “Families serve right along with the What can you do? You wait. You soldier,” said John Ellsworth, in a hope. If you fly, your life has changed. story we published last week. “They Lines are longer. You take off your make the sacrifice in dealing with a shoes. You are scanned by X-ray loved one being gone for years at a time and sometimes they don’t come machines. You are patted down. For most of us, though, life hasn’t back, or they come back injured.” He would know. He’s chairman of been a whole lot different. Unlike Horvath, we didn’t miss our Military Families United. He’s also a daughter’s first day of school because Gold Star father because his son, we were building an airstrip in north- Lance Cpl. Justin Ellsworth, was ern Afghanistan. Or constructing killed Nov. 13, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. He was to speak Saturday at the temporary living quarters for solMichigan Army National Guard Ardiers in western Afghanistan. Weren’t those pretty dangerous mory in Howell during an event where places, he was asked? Not so bad, he Gold Star families were invited to dissaid. Not like the south and the east play items of their loved ones in celenear the Pakistan border. That’s real- bration of their courage and sacrifice.

Rich Perlberg

Wendy Day, a former school board member in Howell, knows about the sacrifice. She’s raised a family while her husband, Kevin, has served in the armed forces for 18 years. He recently returned home from a tour of duty in Iraq and expects to be stateside for one or two years. “I talk to families all the time, and their biggest fear is that the sacrifice made by these soldiers will be forgotten,” said Wendy Day in a story we wrote about Saturday’s event. If we are honest, most of us will have to admit we are guilty of just that. It takes special events to put the thought top of mind. It takes a special service, like the one this morning in Brighton about the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Or a solemn Memorial Day parade. Veterans Day is also important although it’s harder to remember since it’s not a day off for most people. We shouldn’t forget. We need to thank these people — and their families — every day. “In order to fully enjoy the freedoms we have in this country, people need to know what those freedoms cost,” said John Ellsworth, who will live the rest of his days remembering that the cost for our freedom was his son’s life. The Horvath family also made a sacrifice, but they were all smiles Friday. Tim Horvath is back home. After a well-deserved month’s leave, he’ll go back to his civilian life. He’s a police officer in Westland. Must be something in his blood about public service. He also got to see his daughter’s locker. But Isabella and Gabby got something far more important. They got their daddy back. Rich Perlberg is general manager and executive editor of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. You can reach him at (517) 552-2810 or at rperlberg@gannett.com.

to pause and take a moment to pray for victims of this morning’s tragedies, to pray for our families and to pray for our country.” U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra R-HOLLAND

“She called from the plane while it was being hijacked. I wish it wasn’t so but it is.” Solicitor General Theodore Olson HIS WIFE WAS ABOARD A PLANE FORCED TO CRASH INTO THE PENTAGON

“First, we need to ensure America is safe. We need to ensure those people who are injured are rescued and safe, and finally, we need to bring those responsible to justice.” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers R-BRIGHTON

“We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” President George W. Bush

LETTERS Bill will protect Mich. consumers Consumers should take a moment to thank state Sen. Joe Hune for introducing a bill, SB 306, which will protect them from being ripped-off when they have their vehicle windows repaired or replaced. We should all encourage every state senator to also support this bill. When consumers call about a glass problem. insurance companies often refer them to third-party administrators (TPAs), who then guide them to a repair facility. The problem is the TPAs send them to a repair facility they are affiliated with. In other words, there is a very high probability of self-dealing and consumers end up being hurt as well as small shops such as mine. Senator Hune’s bill will set up a code of conduct that requires TPAs to be fair when they refer consumers to companies for repair work. It allows for consumer choice and transparency in the process. Small and large shops will be able to compete on a level playing field. This will

be good for consumers and for the businesses doing the work. We need this bill. If it doesn’t pass, jobs will be lost, businesses will close, and consumers will be forced to use only one company. Please act before it is too late. Dave Zoldowski OWNER, AUTO ONE BRIGHTON

It’s time to stop nagging teachers In reference to the article from Aug. 30 (“Brighton teachers OK pay cuts”), so the Brighton district will save $7 million. That’s great. What is more impressive is that the Brighton teachers acquiesced to these concessions. To the general public, I’d like to say, “get off the teachers’ backs now.” They have proven their mettle by this concession. And, by the way, if you can read this letter, it’s because a teacher taught you how to read. Think about that one. Marcia Tyler BRIGHTON

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