Our hats are off to Woodmen of the World Lodge 862, Murfreesboro, for the very moving ceremony held Sunday afternoon on the front lawn of the Jefcoat Museum.

That ceremony, titled “In Honor and Remembrance,” paid tribute not only to the heroes and the victims of the cowardly 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center Towers, but also to those who have lost their lives – and those currently serving – in the fight against terrorism.

The ceremony also paid much deserved honor to the brave men and women who safeguard our nation and our local communities every day – our law enforcement officers, our firefighters and our emergency medical services personnel.

Under a beautiful, blue sky Sunday, the U.S. flag just presented to Jefcoat Museum Director Colon Balance was raised and then lowered to half staff in recognition of the 2001 tragedy. The pledge of allegiance was recited and then the crystal clear notes of God Bless America rang through that quiet neighborhood.

Indeed, it was a special event.

Since 1947, the Woodmen of the World organization has worked to promote patriotism and pride in our nation.

In that time, the organization’s members have presented more than 1.8 million U.S. flags to schools, churches and other non-profit organizations. They also have presented American Patriot Handbooks to schools and libraries and to newly naturalized citizens, as well as awards to students for proficiency in American History.