A community commemoration is planned in memory of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The event will take place at the Dexter National Guard Armory from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11. Barbara Lesley is one of the event’s organizers. “We felt it was appropriate to have something to remember the crisis of Sept. 11, as well as do something to support our troops. September 11 is a day that all of our lives changed,” Lesley said. Included in the evening’s activities will be a car show and Humvee exhibit. The car show is being presented by the local car club Loco Motion, but anyone interested in showing a car is welcome toparticipate. There is no need to register in advance. Those interested in more information about the car club, or show may call Shawn Smith at 614-2575, or Alex Aguilar at 624-7655.

In addition to the car show ahd exhibit, there will be a patriotic art exhibit that features some unique pottery by Poplar Bluff kindergarten teacher, Fawn Luiky. Luiky has taken art pieces that children created in relation to the events of Sept. 11 and applied them to her handmade pottery. A flag folding ceremony will be performed by the Poplar Bluff Armory Honor Guard. The ceremony will feature the laying of the flag and an eight-foot-tall Statue of Liberty replica that was specially made just for the occasion. The “Traveling Board of Heroes” display will feature pictures of men and women currently serving our country in the Iraq conflict. Lesley said persons who have a photograph of a current United States serviceman or woman for the board may bring it to the event and post it on the special board. Music and speakers will also be a part of the evening’s commemoration. Blue grass and gospel music iwill be provided by Gil and Leonberger and family from Dexter. Jeri Fuqua, a vocalist and senior at Dexter High School, will also be performing. Speakers for the event include Jerry Elder who will also have “Support Our Troops” signs available for purchase. The Stars and Stripes Museum and Library will have a display of items of interest from Iraq, as well as T-shirts and caps for sale.

Attendees can also take their chances purchasing tickets to buy a chance to win a handmade quilt, donated by the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomfield. The tickets will also be good for a chance to win one of three dinners for two at The Finish Line, Dexter Bar-B-Que, or Fiddlers. Hunger and thirst will be taken care of by the folks at Pizza Hut. The local restautant will have pizza and soft drinks available for purchase with half of the proceeds going into the charitable fund. All proceeds from the event will go to the 1221st Family Support Group, Lesley reported. Lesley would like to remind everyone that the fighting is far from over in Iraq. “I just got two e-mail’s from my significant other. He said that the camp that they’re staying at is under attack on a nightly basis,” she said.

Dan Burkemper can be reached via e-mail at dburkemper@thedailystatesman.com