Plans announced for neighborhood's Sept. 11 ceremony
Red, white and blue to illuminate area
By JAY PATEAKOS, Standard-Times correspondent
Many people have different ways of celebrating the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America. Some will remember with silent prayer, others will gather as a family.
For the residents of Shawmut Avenue in New Bedford, their idea was for the community to come together as a whole.
"I really never knew how patriotic I was until that day almost a year ago," said Kathy Grace, better known as Amazing Grace to friends. The seventh-grade teacher at Normandin Middle School is the event's coordinator.
"I am not the same person I once was, like so many people I know, and we must all realize that we live in the greatest country of all, and that we need to come together as Americans for the anniversary," she said.
Named "An American Neighborhood," Mrs. Grace is asking all Shawmut Avenue residents to decorate their home in red, white and blue for the blackout that will begin at 8 p.m. on Sept. 11.
"We're asking all our residents to shut off all their regular lights inside or outside their homes," said Mrs. Grace. "And to just let the patriotic colored lights shine. We want all the airplanes and the heavens to see our lights."
At 8, the residents of Shawmut Avenue will also begin a pilgrimage from their homes to the flag-draped overpass crossing Interstate 195. They will gather, pray and eighth-grader Heather Roy will read her poem written after the attacks. Citizens are asked to speak out on how to keep our country great, and on how Sept. 11, 2001, affected them. After the gathering, the crowd will extend kind words and chant "USA" as they return to their homes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
"Anyone who complains about this country doesn't realize that they have the best freedom of all, the freedom to leave," Mrs. Grace said. "We live in a country where anything is possible. If I wanted to do more with my life, I know that I could, and it can only happen because we live in America."
The neighborhood will continue the celebration on Sept. 14 with a neighborhood yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., where proceeds will go toward various charities, and a cookout on Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 5 p.m. that will feature American items such as hamburgers and homemade apple pie.
"We want everyone to come out of their houses and join us," said Mrs. Grace. "Bring a candle, a blanket or bug spray, or even an umbrella if it rains, but come and help us come together as a community."
Those interested in helping the American Neighborhood or who need more information can call Mrs. Grace at (508) 496-3473.
This story appeared on Page A4 of The Standard-Times on September 6, 2002.
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