Salute of 'four fives' marks 9/11

The tolling of the bell to honor fallen firefighters, in its plaintive peal, reflected stark feelings still felt two years after the attacks.

[Times photos: Kevin White] Brooksville Fire Department Capt. Tim Mossgrove, kisses his 4-month old son as the Brooksville police chief spoke Thursday at a Patriot Day commemoration. Along with speeches and other activities, Brooksville Elementary students sang.

Georgia Sasser tries not to cry as Capt. Alan Arick of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office sings God Bless the U.S.A. at the county courthouse.

BROOKSVILLE - The silver bell atop the red 1925 LaFrance fire engine glistened under the sun outside the Hernando County Courthouse.

A firefighter waited to ring the bell: five strikes, repeated four times - a tradition known as the "four fives" that dates back to the mid 19th century. It is a way of honoring fallen firefighters.

On Thursday, the bell was rung to remember those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, when suicide hijackers struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and thrust the nation into a deeper consciousness of what liberty really means.

The horror unfolded on television screens on a day not much different from Thursday: blue skies punctuated by an unmistakable calm.

In a Patriot Day commemoration on the steps of the courthouse Thursday morning, Hernando residents remembered the dead. It was one of several memorial events that took place around the county.

"The naked gaping hole of ground zero (in New York City) is an open wound," said Rabbi Cyrus Arfa of Temple Beth David Jewish Center in Spring Hill. "The towers stood for just 30 years, but the memories of the terrorist, heinous act will live forever."

From the podium, many speakers said Sept. 11 must never be forgotten.

It would be unjust and disrespectful of the men and women who on any other day would have just been doing their jobs, the speakers said.

"It seems like yesterday that you were glued to your televisions," said Brooksville police Chief Ed Tincher. Of those who died, he said: "We may not consider it an act of heroism because we are just doing our jobs. But it is."

The terrorist attacks killed more than 3,000 people in New York, at the Pentagon in Washington, and in the rolling acreage near Shanksville, Pa. More than 340 of the dead were police, transit officers and firefighters who placed themselves in danger to save the lives of others.

That number, said Hernando County fire Chief Michael Nickerson, is roughly 100 more people than the number of who serve in Hernando County in similar capacities. They too should be recognized and not forgotten, he said.

The American flag was flown at half-staff; the national anthem and other songs sung. People waved tiny flags with zeal, and a wreath was laid. Rifles, carried by veterans, were shot into the air. A sheriff's helicopter swooped overhead.

Bells again tolled for 10 wars this country has fought, from the War of 1812 to Operation Iraqi Freedom. A final bell - the 11th - tolled for the continuing war on terrorism.

When the celebration was over, bagpipes played Amazing Grace, and those who attended returned to their homes or their jobs.

Unlike two years ago, the streets brimmed with life. Some who remained admired the fire engines and shiny sheriff's motorcycle, paying their respects to Hernando's public servants.

"It seems to be a thankless job, except on days like this," said Tincher.

- Duane Bourne can be reached at 754-6114. Send e-mail to dbourne@sptimes.com

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