BLOOMINGTON — Each year, a group in McLean County sponsors a memorial to honor veterans or first responders.  This year, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country, the group, along with the help of many others, held a memorial service at The Corn Crib baseball field in Normal. 

The event was open to participation by all McLean County fire departments, police departments, EMT groups and all veterans’ groups.  The veterans’ groups in Clinton also were asked to participate. 

Commander Ed Beck and Provost Marshal Marc Rogers, of AMVETS Post #14, participated from Clinton.  The memorial service began at 10:30 a.m. with the police and fire personnel lining the second to third base line and all participating veterans groups, with their post flags flying, lining the first to second base line. 

An honor guard of police and firefighters entered the field to the pitcher’s mound area and faced the stands.  A prayer was offered, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. 

The American Flag was raised, while all other flags were tilted during the pledge and the anthem.  There was also a large American Flag flying in center field. 

There were softball games during midday between police, fire fighters, EMT’s, and veterans groups. 

Then, in the evening there was a replica of the twin towers erected at the pitcher’s mound, and as the names of those lost were read, a piece of paper with that name was placed in the memorial.  The day ended with fireworks.