Macomb County communities host 9/11 events Wednesday – Macomb Daily

Military leaders will join Macomb County government officials, first responders and community members on Wednesday to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in a terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

In Clinton Township, the Civic Center campus was the site of the first ceremony in Macomb County to honor the victims just three days after the attacks. Since then, the Patriot Day memorial has been held at Resurrection Cemetery, as it will be this year.

“I am so proud of the residents of Clinton Township, our staff at the Civic Center and the staff at Resurrection Cemetery who continue to come together and remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day,” said Township Supervisor and program host Bob Cannon.

“We should all always support our brave men and women who stand up to defend our way of life,” he said.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road. It is open to the public.

According to organizers, guest speakers include David Spehar, deputy commander of the 127th Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Anthony Coppola, Clinton Township police captain, and Ronald Gnesda, Clinton Township firefighter and paramedic.

According to the 127th Wing website, Colonel Sephar is responsible for the day-to-day operations of two military weapons systems and oversees an annual budget of over $130 million. During his career, he has deployed to combat zones in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Turkey, supporting Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.