9/11 remembrance ceremony in West Chester

First responders, veterans, children’s groups and counselors from national tragedies were some of the participants this morning in a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at Chesterwood Village in West Chester Twp.

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“This annual event always brings tears to my eyes,” said Jane Gegner, Chesterwood Village’s director of marketing operations, in a statement. “You have multiple generations all focusing on the raising of the flag, patriotic music and our common concerns about maintaining our personal courage and the strength of our nation in the wake of tragedies.”

Providing tributes were the Butler County VFW, Miami University NROTC Honor Guard, West Chester Christian Childcare students, Marshall Academy Ensemble and local first responders.

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Guest speakers included Doug Dunlap from City Gospel Mission, Miami University ROTC Director Captain Todd Bahlau and psychiatrist Dan Nelson, who counsels survivors and families following traumatic events such as terror attacks, school shootings and addiction epidemics.