Nanuet Rotary Brought, Carried 112 American Flags for 9/11 Rescue Dog Ceremony

Sunday was the 10-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. A group of men and women dressed in black and white gathered at 7:30 a.m. in the commuter parking lot at the Nanuet Train Station. The familiar American flags that line Main Street in Nanuet will not be there this year.

There was a recognition ceremony for the 9/11 rescue dogs at Liberty Park in Jersey City, NJ. Nanuet Rotarians, along with several of their friends and family members, were asked to carry their flags at the ceremony.

Many firefighters, men and women lost their lives in the rescue efforts on 9/11. However, let's not forget our 4-legged friends who also helped in rescuing many that day.

The search and rescue dogs, or SAR dogs, had to find any lost or trapped victims, as well as recover bodies from the disaster. From all over the country, more than 300 dogs of all breeds came on 9/11 and the days after to help, according to a Huffington Post article. The dogs also provided therapy and emotional support.

"We're going to be driving down in a convoy to Liberty Park, which is across from the Statue of Liberty. It's a tribute to the 9/11 rescue dogs and their handlers," said Rotary President Scott Liebert. "We're bringing down 112 flags and we're holding and carrying the flags as part of their procession into the arena."

The Nanuet Rotary usually with the 112 American flags on certain holidays, including 9/11 in previous years.

"One of the handlers lives around here adn saw we have so many flags since we put it up during the holidays (and patriotic days)," said Liebert. "She asked if we would have the honor of doing this and we of course said yes."

Friends and family members were also invited to participate. Rotarian John Zazyczny was joined with his wife and two daughters. His daughters were too young to remember 9/11 very well. His youngest, Laura, was only 2 years old at the time. To show and teach his kids appreciation for what happened, he showed them a photo gallery of the rescue dogs' efforts.

Laura said that it gave her a good feel for what the dogs went through.

"They were searching through all the rubble," she said.

"I feel a little honored to be able to participate in an event like this," said Rotarian Arnie Heydt. "The world has changed in the last ten years. It's finally going back to normalcy."