by Tamara Stokes

Special to DJW

The Jewish community was represented at "A Day of Reflection: A Salute to Heroes" held Sept. 11 in downtown Dallas.

Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El addressed those gathered at Thanks-Giving Square. United Way, the City and County of Dallas, Thanks-Giving Square Foundation, NBC 5, the U. S. Postal Service, TW Design and D Media sponsored the event.

Mayor Miller told the audience the event appropriately took place at Thanks-Giving Square, which is a symbol of faith and hope to the community and where the universal practice of giving thanks was shared. "This is an opportunity to thank those who stood on the front line of danger a year ago - our heroes, the ones in uniform and those who are not, who make a community better," she said. She reminded the audience not to "take our people or our freedom for granted É we should all hold our children, spouses and parents tight." Sept. 11 was a tragic lesson about why we should examine ourselves and wonder if the last things we ever said to our loved ones and friends could possibly be the last words we are able to speak to them. We should direct our actions in such a way so that we know each other's love and respect.

The program included an invocation from Rev. Elzie Odom of the Greater Dallas Community of Churches; Jane McGarry of NBC 5 as emcee; Gary Godsey, president and CO of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Mayor Miller; a prayer for healing offered by Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Association of North Texas; a keynote address titled "Everyday Heroes" by Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow; an award presentation to local heroes and volunteers by David F. Martin, Dallas Postmaster of the U. S. Postal Service; a benediction and rousing message by Temple Emanu-El's Rabbi David Stern; and a "Last Alarm Ceremony" by Dallas Fire Department Chaplain Denny Burris.

The program included an invocation from Rev. Elzie Odom of the Greater Dallas Community of Churches; Jane McGarry of NBC 5 as emcee; Gary Godsey, president and CO of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Mayor Miller; a prayer for healing offered by Mohammad Suleman of the Islamic Association of North Texas; a keynote address titled "Everyday Heroes" by Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow; an award presentation to local heroes and volunteers by David F. Martin, Dallas Postmaster of the U. S. Postal Service; a benediction and rousing message by Temple Emanu-El's Rabbi David Stern; and a "Last Alarm Ceremony" by Dallas Fire Department Chaplain Denny Burris.

Blow told the audience, "It is strange to be here remembering the worse day in recent history in a place called Thanks-Giving Square. We remember as our grief is settled and our surprise is finding gratitude for things we though were forgotten." Blow said that all Americans should be grateful for home, family and for safety, for the freedoms we take for granted - especially religion and respect for no religion at all.

The crowd burst into applause several times during Blow's speech, as he told the audience the day was a time to "reclaim the meaning of hero." Prior to 9/11, hero had come to mean celebrity - whether a football or sports figure or movie star. He said that 9/11 brought the reality and true meaning of the word back into focus. "Those who put self to the side and put others before - that's a hero. We are surrounded by heroes, not just in New York, not just by those who officially protect and serve us, but the people who help others."

The Dallas Police Choir opened the event with a rousing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," with enthusiastic audience participation. The Turtle Creek Chorale (TCC) provided an upbeat closing performance under direction from artistic director Dr. Timothy Seelig. TCC premiered "The Star of David" last December; the original composition was the first of its kind honoring all Jews.

Volunteers were honored with special plaques and a presentation hosted by Postmaster Martin. Honorees included Don Wilkes, Beth Farren, Janice Holmes, Mary Barthelow and Albina Young. Between them, 163 years of service has been dedicated to the Dallas community.

During the celebration, attendees were able to purchase commemorative 9/11 stamps and have specially designed first-cover envelopes canceled.