Ceremony pays tribute to cops who lost lives

About 200 people attended the ceremony.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Tears streamed down Marie Hamilton's face as she watched township police officers place a black ribbon around a memorial wreath in honor of the law enforcement officers who died in last week's terrorist attacks.
Hamilton, of Old Farm Trail N.E., said she feels horrible for the victims and worries that her daughter, Bernadette, a Navy petty officer 3rd class, may soon be sent to war.
"She is stationed on a nuclear base in South Carolina," Hamilton said. "I worried about her when she decided to enlist, but I never dreamed that something like this was going to happen."
About 200 people, including township residents and police officers from several area departments, attended Tuesday's ceremony at Howland High School's gymnasium.
The ceremony, sponsored by the township's Fraternal Order of Police, paid tribute to the officers who lost their lives in the attacks.
'Taps': Local church choir members sang several songs, including the National Anthem, and members of the Howland High School Band played "Taps."
"Our heart goes out to all of the families," said Officer James Campbell, president of the township's FOP.
"The images of last week's attacks will forever be in our minds. We will always remember that those officers paid the ultimate price in their effort to protect us.
"God bless the officers throughout this country and the world."
Several area clergy also spoke.
"We pray that God will reach out and touch those who lost loved ones in the attacks," said the Rev. Donald King of Blessed Sacrament Church.