In Liberty, crowd pays respects

Observers say they have been changed by the attacks.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Residents decided to attend a Sept. 11 memorial service here for varied reasons.
"I felt an obligation out of respect," said Cliff Gurd, a 52-year-old retiree. "It's for the memory of 9/11."
Gurd was among 50 people who gathered Wednesday at the township administration building to reflect on the terrorist attacks and those who lost their lives.
"I never thought we'd see it in our country," Gurd said of the attacks.
Now, Gurd believes the worst is yet to come.
The Liberty Avenue resident said he has changed in the past two years since the terrorists deeply wounded the country.
"It makes me more aware of our surroundings and freedoms," Gurd said.
Gurd's wife, Sue, pointed out that she has the same feelings as her husband.
Felt he should be there
Louis Pizzuto of Euclid Boulevard said he attended the service with his wife, Dorothy, to remember those who have died.
"I just felt I should come," Mrs. Pizzuto said.
The 77-year-old Pizzuto said he doesn't know anyone who was involved in the attacks.
Pizzuto disagrees with Gurd about the future. "I have confidence and faith in our leadership to do what is necessary to keep us safe," Pizzuto said firmly.
Ruth DiLallo of Logan Way decided to attend because she has a friend who lost a grandson in the collapse of the Twin Towers.
Have the attacks changed her?
"It has, but I don't know how. Maybe I was too arrogant to think it would happen," the 72-year-old responded as she wiped away her tears.
"I think of the soldiers fighting terrorism and their families," she said, recollecting her wedding to her husband, Frank, Nov. 4, 1952. A week later, he was shipped off to Korea, not to return for 14 months.
More than watching TV
Amy Mirkin of Logan Way thought she should attend because she felt she should remember in some way, other than watching television.
"It has put things in perspective," the 49-year-old Mirkin said. "You quickly realize how things can change."
"We'll remember the day the world changed," the Rev. Robert Denen, pastor of Liberty Community Church, told those who attended.
He paid special attention to police and firefighters who are "true heroes."
The Rev. Mr. Denen questioned if Sept. 11 will be remembered as just another event or be understood as the price of freedom.
"Terrorists can't destroy hope," Mr. Denen asserted.
yovich@vindy.com