SEEKONK - Doves fluttered in the air, eight in all, for each year that has passed since Sept. 11.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Seekonk Public Safety complex, Seekonk held a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and to honor those who serve and protect the country. In the small crowd that gathered were friends, family, police, fire and military personnel. Mildred H. Aitken Elementary School’s second graders let the doves go, and participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Yankee Volunteer Fife and Drum Corps played Patriotic songs in remembrance of the victims. When they were done, “Amazing Grace” flowed through the air by another volunteer bagpiper. Seekonk Fire Chief Alan Jack said the firefighter’s prayer, and Police Chief Ron Charron led the policemen’s prayer.

There were several other speakers, although two speakers could not show up do to unforeseen circumstances; all of them thanked the military, the police and the fire crews for their service. They also remembered the approximately 3,000 people who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rev. Amaral, who is the department chaplain, encouraged people to “keep the memory alive. For a preacher that’s hard. We cannot forget and we shall not forget … We need to unite in just cause. Keep the memory alive.”

Senator James E. Timilty also gave a speech.

“Three thousand individuals lost their lives on 9/11. Let us not forget. God bless America and especially Seekonk.”

Seekonk Town Administrator Michael Carroll said “We need to commemorate the spirit of the people. Not just those in New York City or just those who have fallen, but for those who continue to protect and serve.”

“We will never forget their lives” said selectman Francis Cavaco.

“We are stronger in the nation and have the highest level of humanity carried out by our policemen, firemen and military. We need to renew the spirits of our troops and our citizens. The greatest country is ours.”

Tom Rubel volunteered to read a speech from one of the missing speakers.

“Everything happened to me in September. I came back from Vietnam in September. I got married in September. Then September 11 happened,” read Mr. Rubel. “Since the cowardly acts of September 11, we must never forget.”

The color guard was then recognized. The color guard is run by volunteers and depends solely on donations. They attend parades, funerals of fallen soldiers and other events.

Rev. Amaral ended the night with a benediction.

Jan Parker, who is the town clerk, planned and ran the service.

“This service is to honor our public safety employees and veterans,” said Ms. Parker.

This year held its biggest crowd, bolstered by the inclusion of student participation. Ms. Parker plans to have more children participate in future services. Principal Nancy Gagliardi chose the second grade class and teacher, JoAnn Rondeau, to participate. Other students were invited could join in as well.

Bailey Roy let the fourth dove fly into the air in remembrance.

“It felt good to participate,” she said.

R&R Farms in Seekonk donated the doves to the service.

“It is important children learn to show respect to the public safety,” said Ms. Rondeau.

“I try to get the children to appreciate our country.”

Since school started, Ms. Rondeau has been working with her class to learn the pledge and meaning behind it.

The Sept. 11 services run by Ms. Parker started the year after the attacks.

“There will be a service every year as long as I am a clerk here in Seekonk,” said Ms. Parker.