Sept. 11 Victims Remembered At Patriot Day Event

BENTONVILLE -- Maril Riley almost came to tears when she saw the two flags with the names of men and women killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

"It really hits you when you see all the names," said Riley, a Bentonville resident. "There were so many people killed."

Riley attended Saturday's Patriot Day, which is sponsored by Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. The event was held at the Bentonville Municipal Airport.

One flag contains the names of all the emergency responders killed and the other flag displays the names of civilians killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The flags were displayed during Saturday's event.

"It's so powerful to see all those names," Riley said. "I'm glad we have days like today to remember those people that lost their lives."

James Bailey and two other members of the National Ghost Rider Association presented the flags during a short ceremony. Bailey said it was an honor for him to be involved in presenting and the posting of the flags.

Lance Nutt, the president and founder of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, said Patriot Day is about honoring the emergency responders and other people killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Patriot Day is all about remembering the sacrifices of the men and women who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and those that have also been killed in the War on Terrorism," Nutt said.

Different law enforcement and fire departments participated with the event and brought out some of their vehicles and equipment. Military vehicles and equipment were also being displayed.

For example, members of the bomb squad for the Bentonville Police Department were at the event. A team member was operating one of their robots. SWAT teams were also on hand.

Nutt said Patriot Day is about remembering the sacrifices of those who were killed, but it also gives community members a chance to meet their emergency responders.

"It gives people a chance to shake hands and talk with police officers and firefighters in their community," Nutt said. "It helps the community understand the sacrifices these men and women make daily doing their jobs and serving the community."

David Cox of Siloam Springs said he came and brought his son because the teen wanted to to join the military.

Cox said he was impressed by Saturday's event and he enjoyed seeing the equipment displayed by the different groups.

"I just have a lot of respect for them and their families because of all the sacrifices they make to protect us," Cox said.

Micah Cox, 15, said he wanted to join the Navy and he enjoyed seeing all the equipment and gear that the police and fire departments use to protect the community.

Lt. Robert Burkhart, who heads the SWAT team for Bentonville police, said it's good to come out and talk with the public. Burkhart said they are able to display their gear and then explain why they needed it.

Nutt said it was the fourth year for them to host Patriot Day, but the first one at the Bentonville airport. Nutt said he hopes they have many more at the airport.

Nutt said they expected up to 3,000 people to attend Patriot Day.

Riley's most memorable part of the day was seeing the flags, but her 8-year-old son, Eli Henry, enjoyed climbing on top of one of the military vehicles and seeing one one of the large guns which was a light howitzer.