BY KAREN F. RILEY
Correspondent
PLUMSTED — No American will ever forget the images of the World Trade Center’s twin towers on fire, giant plumes of gray-black smoke billowing into the sky on a crystal clear September morning.
And Mayor Ronald S. Dancer used the analogy of fire to explain democracy and government during a memorial event held on Sept. 11, three years to the day after the terrorist attacks on America.
The memorial service, dubbed “The September Project,” was offered by public libraries throughout the country. The theme chosen by the Ocean County Library was “A Day of Peace, Unity and Tolerance.” All branches offered patrons the chance to complete the statement, “I am glad I live in the United States because …”
The Plumsted branch offered children the chance to finish the statement on paper stars that they could place on a map of the United States. They also got the chance to decorate star-shaped sugar cookies with cream cheese and red and blue sprinkles.
At 11:30 am, Dancer spoke about democracy to those assembled. Present in full dress uniform was Boy Scout Troop 9 from New Egypt. Dancer directed his speech to the boys, giving examples that they could relate to.
“How many of you have ever built a campfire?” the mayor asked the Scouts. Several hands shot into the air. “I’m going to give you an example that will help you remember what democracy is. Government is like a campfire — they both can be beneficial and they both can be dangerous. The key is that you have to limit them, control them and watch them.”
After Dancer’s speech, Linda Salcfas, Plumsted’s emergency management coordinator, spoke to the group about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which she leads.
“CERT was developed by President Bush after 9/11 to answer the question, ‘What can I do?,’ which was the No. 1 question everyone had at that time,” she said.
CERT members undergo a rigorous eight-week course in which they learn how to assist the first aid squad and set up a shelter in case of evacuation. CERT volunteers can help transport people, distribute food and assist in any way that helps the public during an emergency, except provide medical care.
The 10-member volunteer team in Plumsted was the first class to graduate from the CERT program. Plumsted is the emergency center for Ocean County and if the public needs to be evacuated, they would be brought here, after being decontaminated in Manchester first, if needed, Salcfas explained.
The memorial service concluded with the planting of a Callery pear tree by the Scout troop, while Liz Barnes sang “America” (“My Country, ’Tis of Thee.”) As Barnes sang, librarian Grace Samis provided the interpretation in American Sign Language.
The entire service was organized by another Plumsted librarian, Carla Hendrickson, who was disappointed that more of the public did not turn out, but added, “It’s a difficult day for everyone.”
Hendrickson said thank you cards to the police, first aid squad, CERT, emergency management and fire company personnel will be in the library all month for anyone who was unable to attend Saturday’s ceremony who wants to stop by and sign them.