9/11: Ceremonies warranted

Two years ago, I was able to convince Hayden officials that a Patriots Day Memorial program should be observed by our city. So on each Patriots Day in 2016 and 2017 a group of us, including Sheriff Ben Wolfinger, Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley, Hayden’s Mayor Steve Griffitts, military veterans, firefighters, law enforcement and Hayden residents turned out to pay our respects to the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives that awful day on Sept. 11, 2001.

This year, since I wasn’t there to coordinate it and arrange for speakers, etc., there was absolutely no remembrance ceremony held. I’m ashamed of my city officials, who obviously had more important things to do during that one lousy hour on 9/11. On the other hand, kudos to Coeur d’Alene for taking the time to respect the memories of those lost that unbelievable day, 9/11/2001.

DAVE SHELDON

Hayden