By Lori Ehde
The Luverne community has planned a fitting observance to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Local church bells will ring at 7:45, 8:03, 8:43 and 9 a.m. to note the four separate attacks by planes on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania.
"We are asking as many people as possible to be on Main Street prior to the 9 a.m. bell," said Chamber Director Dave Smith.
"After the final bell tolls, we will note a moment of silence throughout the community."
Those gathered on Main Street will join hands, forming a human chain down Main Street to show community solidarity.
After the moment of silence, "Taps" will be played over a sound system in the downtown area to complete the commemoration.
LuverneÕs observance is just one of millions scheduled in communities nationwide, since Congress passed a public law designating Sept. 11 "Patriot Day."
The American Legion national observance of Patriot Day will follow the theme, "We will remember."
In Hardwick, the Legion will host a program at noon Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Legion Hall.
The ceremony will include representatives from local law enforcement and fire department. A barbecue lunch will follow.
Area public schools opened Tuesday, and administrative staffs are discussing what formal programs, if any, will be planned for next week.
Some groups are circulating e-mails that call for individuals to wear red, white and blue to work or school, and to pause at noon to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, either silently or out loud.
The Rock County Ministerial Association has organized a community prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, in the Christian Reformed Church, Luverne.
Several pastors from local churches will lead petitions that will individually focus on prayers for peace around the world, for government and military leaders, for victims, for enemies, for respect among religions and for our community.
Churches will participate in bell ringing in both Hardwick and Luverne.
"Each time a bell rings on this day, a chord will strike in our hearts as we remember the sadness of the attacks and thank God for allowing us to remain a strong nation through all of this," the Legion said in a statement issued last week.
"This ceremony will help us all to remember the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11."