Page 75 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

placed a body in a grave with its hand The Keynote Address for this fifth “So let us not be petty when our
cradling a pup. Whether wolf or dog is anniversary ceremony was presented cause is so great. Let us not quarrel
not known, but it illustrates the begin- by the Honorable Philip M. Pro, Chief amongst ourselves when our Nation's
ning of a unique friendship that in some United States District Court Judge. future is at stake. Let us stand to-
way has come to define both species. In his address, Judge Pro reminded gether with renewed confidence in our
Samuel Butler may have said it best us that although the 9/11 attacks have cause—united in our heritage of the
when he said, “The greatest pleasure of changed our world, they have
a dog is that you may make a fool of not changed the American spirit
yourself with him, and not only will he or focus. He recalled that on
not scold you, but he will make a fool of the day of the attacks, he was
himself, too.”  presiding over a lengthy trial.
The litigants, attorneys and ju- ©Courtesy, Mark Rekshynskyj
9/11 Remembered rors were asked if they wished
to continue on or recess for the
gainst the beautiful background day. The jurors voted to continue
of Red Rock Canyon, people on, deciding that they couldn’t
Agathered to honor all those who “let the likes of a few terrorists
lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of bring the life of our country to
September 11, 2001. a halt.” They did continue into A fireman pays homage
the afternoon until they were
made to leave because all government past and our hopes for the future—and
buildings were being shut down. determined that this land we love shall
Judge Pro spoke of the importance lead all mankind into new frontiers of
of safeguarding our freedoms in the peace and abundance.”
process of strengthening our security In closing, an American flag that had
and vigilance. He quoted a passage from flown at the World Trade Center Ground
a speech President John F. Kennedy Zero, and subsequently in Afghanistan
was to deliver on November 22, 1963 to during the US mission there, was pre-
©Courtesy, Mark Rekshynskyj
the Texas Democratic State Committee in sented to Friends of Red Rock Canyon
Austin, Texas: for permanent display at the Visitor
“. . . For this country is moving Center by Warner and Judy Skomars.
and it must not stop. It cannot stop. For Attendees then placed 343 red and
this is a time for courage and a time for white carnations at the Red Rock Can-
challenge. Neither conformity nor com- yon 9/11 Memorial in memory of the
placency will do. Neither the fanatics 343 firefighters who died that day.
nor the faint-hearted are needed. And Many thanks to all participants who
Judge Philip Pro our duty as a party is not to our party gave their time and their services for the
alone, but to the Nation, and, indeed, to ceremony. Special thanks to the Musicians
The ceremony, hosted by Friends all mankind. Our duty is not merely the Union of Las Vegas, Local 369 and to the
of Red Rock Canyon, was directed by preservation of political power but the Joyful Noise String Quartet for the superb
Friends member Warner Skomars who preservation of peace and freedom. musical interludes.
recalled how the ordinary routine of our
daily lives and those of the victim’s fami- Friends Annual Banquet
lies changed on that day five years ago.
The Battalion 10 Honor Guard of the The Friends of Red Rock Canyon Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday,
Las Vegas Fire Department, IAFF Local October 21, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa from 6 to 10 p.m. There
1285, presented the colors folowed by will be a non-hosted social hour, 6-7 p.m., followed by an Italian buffet starting
the playing of the National Anthem by at 7 p.m. The banquet is complimentary for members with 40 hours of volunteer
the Joyful Noise String Quartet. Father service for the past year. There will be a charge for all other members and guests of
Ron Zanoni, Associate Pastor, St. $30 per person. Invitation responses are due no later than October 9, or you may
Joseph, Husband of Mary Roman call 702-515-5360.
Catholic Church, Las Vegas, gave
the Invocation. News & Notes, continued on p. 7

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