NORTHVILLIANS,

Last week, we spoke about Labor Day and the dedicated contributions of American workers. This week, we turn our attention to Patriot Day, where we remember those affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Northville has always been a patriotic town, and we will explore some of the patriotic activities that have occurred in our city through time.

Regarding 9/11, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The 9/11 tragedy unfolded at 8:46 AM, 22 years ago, when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.  Seventeen minutes later, another plane hit the South Tower. A third flight hit the Pentagon at 9:37 AM, and a 4^th flight headed for the White House and the Capitol building was heroically diverted by the passengers, ultimately crashing into a field. These attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities and over 25,000 injuries.

It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers…Many of us will never forget exactly where we were that day.

A bill to make September 11 a National Day of Mourning was introduced that year, and the result was the resolution to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.

• 9/9 Cars and Coffee Saturday, 8-10 AM – Join our monthly gathering (2^nd Saturdays), behind Old Village School next to the library (212 W. Cady Street) -Bring a car/bring yourself. Link
   
• 9/13 – Northville Old Timers Lunch & History presentation (ALL INVITED). Will feature the Senior of the Year announcement (11:00 AM Arrival, 11:30 lunch, at Genitti’s - 108 E. Main St.). Pay at door ($15) or over the phone (248 349 0522). Link
   
• 9/14 – Mayoral Town Hall ... 7:00 PM @ the Northville Township Office & broadcast digitally. Local initiatives will be reviewed and the 4 candidates for 2 Council positions (Laura Genitti, Barbara Moroski Brown, Marilyn Price & Bob Sochacki) will be introduced. Link
   
• 9/14 @ 6:30 PM – Emmy-nominated “Death is Not the Answer” will be shown at Northville High School. The film delves into the often-misunderstood world of depression and suicide. Following the film will be an expert panel discussion moderated by Chuck Gaidica. For more info:  https://northvillecares.org/
   
• 9/20 @ 7:00 PM – Northville District Library Victorian Festival History Seminar. The Mayor will touch on Northville’s Victorian history and have an open Q&A. Link
   
• 9/22 – 9/24 – Victorian Festival in Northville with weekend events. Link
   
• Northville’s Parmenter’s Cider Mill, Celebrating their 150^th season (since 1873) – Opened for the season 8/26 … a true sign of the advent of Fall. Link
   
• Concerts every Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM through October – Downtown.
   
• Tipping Point – Live Theater schedule for the rest of the year – Link
   
• Farmers’ Market (7 Mile/Sheldon) – Take in Northville’s Award-Winning Thursday Market through October.

Now let's look back at some of the ways Northvillians have shown their patriotism...

• A community candlelight prayer vigil was hosted again by the Methodist Church, as it (and other local churches) had done the year before.
• The north exterior wall of the Marquis Theatre building was converted into a giant canvas for artist Jeff Von Buskirk’s “Flag Mural,” in remembrance of 9/11 and our American Freedoms.

• My mother worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII while my father served in the Marines. She would tell stories about her ladies’ “B24 Liberator Bomber Carpool” group that would meet at her house on Dunlap & High St. at 6:00 AM every morning to drive to the Willow Run plant by Belleville.

• FYI – The B24 Liberator Bomber plant was the largest production facility in the world at the time and was designed by the famous architect Albert Kahn. The plant was 3.5 million square feet and included dormitories & housing for 15,000 workers (of the total 42,500 work force). The B24 is the highest volume bomber ever produced in the world. 
   
• Going back to our early days, The Record mentioned that in the 1800’s and early 1900’s Northvillians decorated their houses, factories and businesses in elaborate Red, White & Blue patriotic themes every chance they had. 
   
• In 1927, Northville celebrated its 100^th year as a Community (our Centennial) by hosting the largest Patriotic parade ever seen in Michigan up to that time, which was made possible with assistance from Henry Ford. As you have heard me tell, Mr. Ford spent a great deal of time in town and as a result, wanted to make this historic event special.
   
• In 1992, President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush slowed down their campaign train as they came through Northville’s Cabbage Town, waving to all those by the tracks. They toured past the Ford Valve Plant, the Chamber of Commerce building and Beal Town on their way south.
   
• Speaking of democracy…it’s generally agreed that no American city contributed more to the Allied powers during WWII than the Detroit area, and Northville (believe it or not) was a great part of that activity. In fact, our town was known for being ranked in the State’s top economic powers during the early 1900’s.
   
• Notably, the Detroit area grew to be known as the “Arsenal of Democracy,” a term coined by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt in a speech where he highlighted the need for cooperation between government and all citizens, while encouraging patriotism for our country (now you know the rest of the story).