FREEPORT
Elaine Greene of the Freeport Flag Ladies said she is sympathetic to the man who disrupted a 9/11 memorial service on Friday in Freeport that commemorated the 2001 terrorist attacks.
According to the Portland Press Herald, Roux yelled, “My father died on this day,” before police wrestled him out of the building where the observance was held, placing him on the ground in a parking lot and handcuffing him.
According to the Bangor Daily News, Roux’s father, James M. Roux Sr., a Bowdoin College graduate, was onboard United Airlines Flight 175, the flight that was hijacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.
“My heart went out for the young man. I can’t imagine living in the world he lives in. You just want them to have joy and to take care of them,” Greene said.
Greene said the observance saw a large turnout at the Freeport public safety building.
A moment of silence was observed for the time each of the World Trade Center towers fell. The Public Safety Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace” and two buglers played taps.
Greene said the observance accomplished what the Flag Ladies set out to do.
“People need to have a reminder — not just wander off into oblivion and pretend it didn’t exist,” Greene said.
An encouraging sign to Greene were the many children she said were present and how they need to hear of what happened, how lives were changed and how people responded following the attacks.
Moreover, Greene said people need to hear the music. She said she can see it in their faces and in moments of observing a national tragedy it’s something they want and need to hear.
Greene said the children today only hear patriotic music when they are taken to events like the 9/11 commemoration. She said it’s an important facet of life to know the songs of our country and children need to be brought up around it.
dmcintire@timesrecord.com
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