Over eight months have passed since September 11, but the men and women who were killed have not been forgotten. This was very much in evidence last weekend, when more than 75 friends and neighbors of Gary and Ann Smith assembled at the entrance of Collingwood-on-the-Potomac.
The reason for the gathering was to dedicate a tree which had been purchased and planted by Collingwood Garden Club members, to Gary Smith, killed at the Pentagon during the terrorist attack. How appropriate that it was held on Memorial Day weekend, a time when veterans from all times are remembered. And how fitting that as State Delegate Kris Amundson (D-44) spoke, several members of the Rolling Thunder, a group in town for ceremonies on The Mall in Washington, D.C., gathering to remember veterans, passed by on the GW Parkway.
The Reverend George Griffin, Pastor of Good Shepherd, opened the ceremony by praying for the well-being of those fighting terrorism around the world. He prayed that they will be successful so that Americans will have a saner and more secure world. He blessed the tree as well as the plaque reading “In Memory of Gary Smith September 11, 2001” which was placed at the base of the tree.
AMUNDSON SPOKE not as a political figure, but as a friend whose daughter benefited from Gary’s coaching. Amundson believes that the world is a better place because of Gary and spoke about how Gary was a devoted father, dedicated husband and a terrific coach.
“He always made them [girls on the team] feel like a winner and stressed that it was important to do your best, whether you win or lose,” said Amundson. “He was one of the most important teachers those girls had.”
Gary spent years coaching teams for his four daughters, so much so that Amundson said, “If God has a soccer team, Gary’s coaching it.”
Pat Veatch, president of Collingwood Garden Club, closed by saying, “The redbud tree, with its heart-shaped leaves, was planted in memory of Gary. This tree serves not only as a reminder to our nation of September 11, but also to remind us of that American spirit and the symbol of hope that arose from that event..... The redbud tree is also a symbol of hope. In the future, as we drive by this tree, we will remember Gary and with his family, friends and the community — we will have the hope and courage to support those, like Gary, who continue to protect our freedoms.”
AFTER THE CEREMONY, Ann Smith joined the crowd in a punch and cookie reception provided by the garden club. Prior to the ceremony, she had asked that a notice be put in the paper to let people know about the dedication. “I want everybody to know how grateful our family is for the support of the community.”
She also wanted people to know how the money which was collected in lieu of flowers was spent. Over $7,500 was distributed to three of the charities with which Gary was involved: $2,500 to Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, $5,000 to a West Potomac High School scholarship fund and some to the Rocky Versace Vietnam Memorial Fund. An additional $6,000 collected by the grade school in Nebraska that he attended went to a scholarship there.