First-responders, veterans recognized

Lake Orion joined the nation on Sept. 11 in honoring first-responders for Patriot Day.
Nearly 60 people turned out at the Orion Veterans Memorial for the official ceremony dedicated to the fire, medical, law enforcement and military persons who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks. Residents and officals sang, prayed and observed a moment of silence together while the flag flew at half-mast above them.
First-responders everywhere, including Lake Orion, were also honored for their service.
‘They protect our lives and our families. We will never forget them,? said Joe Mastromatteo, a local dentist who put the event together.
Uniformed Lake Orion police and firefighters faced the crowd, which was a mix of young and old, children as well as veterens. Mastromatteo’s introduction was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Rayna Perry of Girl Scout Troop #3307.
Following this, Lake Orion firefighter Charley Harkins sang ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,? and the Church Street Singers performed ‘America the Beautiful.? Addressing the crowd afterward, Fire Chief Bob Smith talked about the courage of the first-responders in Manhattan that day’and first-responders everywhere.
‘They only had the knowledge that people were in trouble and needed their help,? he said. ‘It’s our commitment to respond as quickly as possible. These first responders don’t ask why. They were committed to saving lives without hesitancy.?