"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.

Monday, September 17, 2001

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven…a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance….a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

On Sunday, Lawrence County residents set aside their time to show respect to those who died in Tuesday’s attacks on America and to shore up the resolve of a nation.

Prayer, songs, speeches and a flag-raising ceremony may have been the days events, but the true meaning of the event went deeper. Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Frank McCown said the event was a "unity service" to show the world that an attack on some Americans is an attack on all Americans.

"The sorrow of any American is the sorrow of all Americans," he said. McCown added that American’s, united together, "will defeat the enemies of freedom."

Congressman Ted Strickland, who had arrived from Washington the night before, not only mourned the victims of Tuesday’s tragedy, but looked forward to what the future may hold for the United States. Strickland said the mood in Washington is serious and determined. He said there is a serious conviction among the nation’s leaders and lawmakers to do the right thing and to rise to the challenge.

He said government leaders need to be "wise, thoughtful and mature" and live up to the standards set by previous leaders. Strickland said he will return to Washington on Wednesday when Congress once again enters session.