Patriot Day to commemorate Sept. 11 attacks

Citizens of Bedford County are being invited to join a Patriot Day Observance on the upcoming anniversary of 9/11 at noon Friday on the Shelbyville square.

The event will last until 1 p.m. and is being presented by the Exchange Club of Bedford County, Mainstreet Shelbyville and the city's parks and recreation department

The Exchange Club is also asking merchants on the square to participate in their Proudly We Hail Program, which encourages the regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries.

The observance begins with a welcome from Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray, followed by an American flag folding presentation and the posting of the colors.

The national anthem will be sung by Register of Deeds Johnny Reed, the Edgemont Baptist Church Men's Quartet will sing the song "Under God," and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright.

Emergency Management Agency director Scott Johnson will be the main speaker. Sept. 11 is a memorable day for Johnson since he was supposed to be at the Pentagon for a meeting when the terrorist attack took place.

Bedford County's emergency response organizations will be recognized following Johnson's speech. A prayer will be offered by Shelbyville Police Department Chaplain Bobby Scott and a special proclamation will be made by Ray.

Rebecca Jones and Cindi Loso of the Bedford County Exchange Club will speak about the Proudly We Hail Program and patriotic songs will be led by Duane Drake.

Downtown merchants displaying the flag in September will receive a Proudly We Hail plaque and Bedford County is to be honored for its continuous display of the flag at the courthouse.

For more information on the Sept. 11 observance, call Sylvia Pinson at Shelbyville Recreation Center, 684-9780.