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Doves Released in Remembrance of 9/11

Bennington, Vermont - September 11, 2009

It was a somber tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; those who died in service to their country. But this gathering on the grounds of the Veterans Home in Bennington was organized to remember one group in particular. The nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the worst terror attack in our nation's history on September 11, 2001.

"They came from all walks of life. First responders, firemen, emergency rescue, policemen, building trades, and the innocent victims of the tyranny of terrorism," said Doris LeBlanc, of Wings of Love.

It's been eight years since the 9/11 attack on America. Eight years since so many innocent lives were lost, including Don and Sally Goodrich's 33-year-old son Peter. He was on Flight 175 that crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

"The days before this day, quite honestly are the hardest. It's coming, the anticipating is the most difficult," Don Goodrich said.

It's a public memorial for a personal loss. There have been many since that day marked by horrific violence and pain. But now a symbol of peace is brought forth.

"The doves released will be symbolic of those lives lost as we honor their memory, their bravery and service to this great country," LeBlanc said. "We are... to honor their memories, their souls and their spirits."

More than 4,000 doves were released all across the country Friday and here in Bennington. Precisely at noon they took flight. Peter Goodrich's symbolic dove was released by 15-year-old Mohib who is from Afghanistan. He is Don and Sally's exchange student, one of dozens of young Afghans they've educated at home and in their native land since their own son was killed at the hands of terrorist.

"We are glad we can play a small role in stabilizing the country where the terrorist attacks began," Don Goodrich said. "It is such a nice thing to see those birds full of life and the ability to fly above all of the troubles of the world. I think it is a great symbol."

A symbol of peace, a time to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Bridget Barry Caswell - WCAX News