Patriot Day flag raising, community honor 9/11

Residents with children, elected officials, firefighters and police officers attended Tuesday’s Patriot Day flag raising and community event, hosted by the Maricopa Tracy P. MacPherson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 12043, in conjunction with American Legion Post No. 133 at the Maricopa Veterans Center.

The flag was raised — then lowered to half-staff in observance of those lost in the 9/11 attacks — while the assembled recited the Pledge of Allegiance and “Taps” was played. Maricopa High School's AJROTC presented the colors.

Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl described the flag raising as “a healing event.”

“It’s a really humbling experience for police and first responders,” he said.

State Sen. Steven Smith, R-Maricopa, said, “It’s one of the most important days of the year and anything we can do to always remember is a good thing.”

But the event didn’t end with the remembrance of those lost. Attendees were invited to the nearby VFW building to meet each other while treated to coffee and doughnuts. And there was more food on its way, thanks to the donations of several local restaurants, including Papa Murphy’s, Raceway Bar & Grill, Sunrise Café,  Basha’s and  Native New Yorker. Joe King, VFW spokesman, said he was pleased with the event’s turnout.

“We’re so happy and glad that all these people showed up,” King said. “It lets everybody get to know each other and mingle.”

Former Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith said he was glad the flag raising had been extended into a community gathering.

“I’m very pleased the veterans have revised the format to allow more people to participate for a longer time,” he said.

Jon Sheaffer, Maricopa Fire Department spokesman, said “it’s good that we get together and celebrate and commemorate.”

The VFW and American Legion hope to make the flag raising and community event an annual affair.