This article was written by Stephanie Vavra.
To mark the 18th anniversary of terrorist attacks on the United States of America, the Reverend Father James Brzezinski, Pastor Dr. Michael Selburg, and Rev. Dr. Noah Panlilio, left-to-right, led a 9/11 community Memorial Prayer Service, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
Outdoor seating was provided on the west side of Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.
Before the service began local members of Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, American Legion Post 328, and clergy posed for a photograph.
From left-to-right are Pastor Jon Eastlick (Crossroads Community Church); Barry Linder (American Legion); Pastor Dr. Michael Selburg (First Presbyterian Church); Reverend Father James Brzezinski (St. Anne’s Episcopal Church); Rev. Dr. Noah Panlilio (Morrison United Methodist Church); Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker; Post Commander Terry Jones (American Legion); Police Officer Nathan Petersen; Chief of Police Brian Melton; Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Melton; Captain Daniel Hovey, Sr. (Morrison Community Hospital Emergency Medical Services); Sheriff’s Deputy Kent Humphrey; Paramedic Randy Scott (Morrison Community Hospital Emergency Medical Services); Fred Steele (American Legion); Emergency Medical Technician Joe Dawes (Morrison Community Hospital Emergency Medical Services); Robert Brands (American Legion.)
Rev. Panlilio welcomed the group, and Rev. Selburg offered the Invocation. The opening song, “America the Beautiful,” was sung a capella.
The Scripture Lesson was shared by Rev. Selburg.
Sheriff Booker spoke on “Reflections” of 9/11; a responsorial prayer was conducted by Rev. Panlilio.
Commander Jones lowered the American flag to half-staff, and Legionnaire Kenneth Gooley supplied “Taps.” The closing song was “God Bless America.”
Rev. Father Brzezinski concluded the event with a Blessing and Benediction.
