American Legion Post 35 honors lives lost during 9/11 with annual Patriot Day ceremony

By Jacob Mann Frontiersman.com

WASILLA — American Legion Post 35 was joined by various members of the community to honor the lives lost during 9/11 with an annual Patriot Day ceremony Monday, Sept. 11.

Patriot Day (not to be confused with Patriot's Day in April) is a nationally recognized time of remembrance for those who died during 9/11. The American Legion is one of countless organizations that take the time each year to perform official ceremonies in conjunction with Patriot Day.

Local Boy Scouts, West Lakes Fire Department, and other community groups were present during the event.

One thing that ties us together is that we're Americans. We come together as one," Post 35 Commander Jim Bennetts said.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terror attack. Out of the extreme darkness rose hope, according to Bennetts. He said the attack left a grand sense of sorrow and grief but it was inspiring to see how many first responders and other American citizens stepped up to help during the aftermath.

"As a nation, we mourned the terrible loss of life… I think it leaves an indelible mark," Bennetts said. "This helps define us as Americans. When something like this happens we all come together every time."

Post 35 Second Vice Commander Matthew Larson ran this year's event. He said that he was happy with how the ceremony turned out.

"I think it went very well," Larson said.

Larson has a very personal connection to 9/11. His brother John "Adam" Larson was killed inside one of the Twin Towers while trying to help someone get out of the building. He said that his brother died a hero.

"He stepped up and did what every American should do," Larson said.

West Lakes Fire Department Fire trucks parked outside Post 35 with flashing lights throughout the ceremony. Larson said that he was thrilled to have so much community involvement for such an important cause.

"It warms my heart," Larson said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com