VFW Post 4067 Remembers 9/11 at Veteran's Park

It was a calm and quiet Monday evening as the flag procession walked silently from the VFW Post 4067 to the Veteran's Park on Front Street.

Not only quiet, the group was small in number, yet a handful of dedicated people, community members made certain the day was remembered, if only by them. It was 22 years ago that made a mark in history that will not, or should not, be forgotten.

Morning sunshine rose and shined as usual on a beautiful serene morning, as it had across the rest of our nation. Over the sound system at the Villa Theatre songs were played at approximately 8:30 a.m., the time of the first terrorist plane hitting the Twin Towers. Sounding over the quiet and peaceful little town of Malta, songs included "God Bless the USA," and "Where Were You," and ended with "God Bless America."

That same sunrise broke through the morning skies on the east coast as well. Until the terrorist attack we know as 9/11...where lives were forever changed. Over 3,000 lives were lost that day, including individuals, first responders, firemen, ambulance, and innocent by-standers. Many left home and never gave it a second thought that they would never see their loved ones again; they would never hold their baby again and many left without taking time to kiss and hug their loved ones good-bye.

...because there is always "later" or "tomorrow" to do those small things and grasp a little hand one more time. The 3,000 were robbed of that opportunity and moment in time.

Now, with 22 years of memories, the flag procession brought forth the U.S. flag, POW-MIA, Montana, VFW and Auxiliary, American Legion and Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) flags. Rick Mikkelson, Chaplain of the SAL opened the service with a prayer before a reverent crowd. He spoke about the world on Sept. 11, 2001, and how it impacted and changed his life.

All thought for a moment, where was I...what was I doing? Mikkelson shared of his travels later, when the wreckage and disaster of 9/11 had been restored and is now known as "Ground Zero." He said he and his friend went there and no words can describe the emotions that take over and you can feel the presence of the lives lost that day.

Mellissa Sandvick shared how her son, Jeremy came home one day shortly after the tragic event and said, "Mom, I want to join the Marines". Despite her reasoning with him, Jeremy felt the need to serve his country and fulfilled his dream.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremy Sandvick Monroe, 20, died Oct. 8, 2006, while serving in during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and two comrades were killed in action while conducting combat operations against enemy attack forces in Asad, Iraq. Mellissa became a "Gold Star Mother" that fateful day.

She shared of the anguish, emptiness and great loss that most others cannot begin to feel; a pain no other parent should have to be left with. Mellissa also shared her gratefulness for what time Jeremy had blessed her life.

Gold Star families are left with silver medals and memories. Mellissa also holds on to the memory of Jeremy through the Purple Heart for his service.

Following the return to the VFW, the group enjoyed dessert refreshments compliments of Sharon and David Miller.