September 12, 2022
Residents of Bannock County came together yesterday to commemorate the events and honor those who died in the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001.
Taking place at the Bannock County Courthouse, the commemoration ceremony began with a motorcycle tribute by the POW*MIA Awareness Association and Rally. Arriving motorcycles carried the American flag, the POW*MIA flag, and the flags of each of the United States Armed Services.
Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough, acting as the Master of Ceremonies, welcomed those attending. The ISU Army ROTC Color Guard performed the flag raising and the National Anthem was sung by Angel Tones, the trio of Melissa Schrade, Angela Johnson, and Brita Prusse.
Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad performed the invocation. Commissioner Hough then read a proclamation from the Bannock County Commissioners.
This year’s program included a Special Presentation delivered by Miguel Dominic representing the Military Affairs Committee. Dominic presented plaques to two Pocatello police officers, Demetrius Amos and Mackenzie Handle, who had been wounded in the line of duty. Dominic said, “Today, September 11, 2022, the anniversary of the attacks on the twin towers, is about commemorating those who died on that fateful day. It is about honoring the first responders who rushed to the scene, not thinking of their own safety, but of fulfilling their mission to protect and to serve.
Police Officers are among the first responders who willingly put their lives on the line to protect us. Every day when they leave their homes and their loved ones to go to work, they stand ready to sacrifice even their lives, if need be, to fulfill their duty
Today we would like to acknowledge two such officers, Demetrius Amos and Mackenzie Handel, wounded in a gunfight after responding to a disturbance in our community. We are thankful that both officers survived their injuries. On behalf of a grateful community, I would like to present each of these officers with a plaque as a thank you for all they do each day to keep us safe.”
After Dominic’s remarks, the Angel Tones performed, How Great Thou Art, after which The Honorable Judge Rick Carnaroli read, The Events as They Unfolded. During the reading, a bell was sounded repeatedly in honor of those who died during the terrorist attack. Participating in the bell ringing were representatives of local first responder organizations and the ISU Army ROTC.
The half-hour ceremony concluded with the playing of TAPS by Heather Petrella. The crowd then made their way to the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building for a dinner provided by local VSO members.
