Bellevue, Neb. – The Kiwanis Club of Bellevue will sponsor Bellevue’s 22nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to be held on, Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at American Heroes Park.
The 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was created in 2002 to commemorate those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and in the following War on Terror. The ceremony honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the wounded warriors who continue to struggle in the aftermath of war. 147 names of Nebraskans and Iowans who paid the ultimate sacrifice will be read at this year’s ceremony.
Bill O’Donnell, 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Co-Chair and Kiwanis Club of Bellevue member said, “It is our commitment that each of their names will always be spoken so that their memory lives in us and challenges us to live our lives to the highest standards. Those are 147 men and women whose lives were cut short because they answered a higher calling. They might’ve been fathers and mothers, grandparents, the light of others’ lives – honor demands that we cherish their memory.”
The ceremony serves as a reminder to the public to never forget the events of 9/11 and the courage and selflessness it takes to serve our country. AFJROTC from Bellevue West and Bellevue East High Schools, Bellevue Police, Bellevue Fire, Nebraska and Iowa National Guards, and the 55th Wing are anticipated to participate in this year’s ceremony. Patriotic music will be provided by the Sarpy Serenaders.
When asked why Kiwanis Club of Bellevue continues to sponsor this ceremony, O’Donnell said, “One of the objectives of Kiwanis is to promote a more serviceable citizenship. Part of our responsibility as American citizens is to support and defend this great nation and remember those who fell in our defense.”
A tentative ceremony outline is below:
- Welcome
- Presentation of the colors and National Anthem
- Pledge of Allegiance
- 13 Folds of the Flag
- Ringing of the Four Fives
- Dedication of Firefighter’s Memorial
- Roll Call of the Fallen from Nebraska and Western Iowa
- Laying of Memorial Wreath
- Adjournment
American Heroes Park is located in Olde Towne Bellevue on the north side of Mission Avenue and across from Haworth Park. For more information about the ceremony, or to schedule an interview, please contact Bill or Barb O’Donnell with Kiwanis Club of Bellevue at (402) 933-0866 or (402) 292-3387.
About Kiwanis Club of Bellevue: The Kiwanis Club of Bellevue is one of six clubs in Division 20 of the Nebraska-Iowa District of Kiwanis. Today’s club membership, includes: 40 members, represents the local community, and conducts 25 projects during the year to benefit the Bellevue community. Projects include: Every Child a Swimmer, service clubs at middle and high school levels, an annual high school art show, meals on wheels, Bellevue Food Pantry, highway cleanup, and many more.
