The month of September has always caused people to think of the beginning of school. But a new remembrance has been given to a day in September - Sept. 11. The day the enemy was successful to strike at life within the United States.

Many innocent people were stopped in the middle of their life - people who were going about their business; sitting on a plane flying off for someplace in the United States, leaning over a desk beginning the day's work load and even those who responded to the emergency that they have been trained and made ready to serve for events just like that catastrophe on Sept. 11.

Remembrance Day #- Sept. 11 has been highlighted in Savannah ever since 2001.

Betty Johnson, coordinator of the Savannah Horse Arena, along with the skills of the equestrians who are frequent riders at the barrel races throughout the summer present a drill presentation that creates a heart-touching program that will send a shiver of patriotism from your head to your toes. Set to music, these horse and riders come into the arena carrying the United States flag and eventually all the flags of each of the Branches of the Armed Forces. Each rider is decked out in their red, white and blues, and their horses are equally impressive with their speed and smooth, galloping motions as they weave in and out across the length and depth of the arena.

Each year, Betty highlights a theme from our country's history and concluding the program with recognition for our current service men and our living veterans along with our fireman, police and other community servants. Betty also involves our local children in the program so they too will always remember this special event. The 2007 program has been given the theme of “Tribute to America,” and it will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Horse Arena on the Potato Fest Field just west of the Town of Savannah on Route 31. The program will be followed by a fun night of barrel racing.

This evening is not restricted to Savannah's own veteran and service men but Betty cordially invites any veteran, current service men or women as well as neighboring firemen and policemen who provide for the safety and protection of our town and the surrounding area. In the time of a disaster, town lines do not stop someone from helping out and the same is true of this event.

This Sept. 11 event is open to anyone who would like to take some time to express their thanks for living in the great United States and for the safety and protection we have available to us at the expense of our friends and neighbors who readily serve their country and their community. Remember to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort. The Savannah Chamber of Commerce food booth will be open for your convenience as well.

May Sept. 11 become a tradition in your life as it has become in the town of Savannah.

Carol Spellman proudly lives and writes from her home in Savannah. You can reach her at spellmanjc@tds.net