Peterson Puts Patriotism First in Honor of Sept. 11

Joseph Peterson is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, a former police detective and the current mayor of Wyandotte.

Of all those titles, the one he values the most is simple: U.S. citizen.

Patriotism means the world to the man who salutes the flag and has a 15-foot flagpole in the front yard of his residential neighborhood.

He’s hoping to entice that same level of excitement throughout Wyandotte on Sept. 11 by encouraging all residents to fly a flag outside of their home on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The city-operated cable TV company also is going to send videographers throughout town to document those flags for a half-hour program.

All of the churches in town also are being asked to ring their bells at the exact time the terrorist attacks were carried out in 2011.

Wyandotte also will hold a remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the , 633 Ford. American Legion Post No. 217 is also spearheading the event, which is open to the public.

“With all the people who sacrificed their lives on that day, we can never forget,” Peterson said. “That was a tragedy that never should be forgotten. …

“I don’t want people to forget. This is why we do these things–to remember and to never forget. We have to make sure it never happens again.”

Peterson said national security has improved over the last decade.

“I don’t think it would ever happen in our country, with as strong as we are,” Peterson said. “I believe in the strength of our country and I don’t think they’ll be able to do it again.

“Ever since 9/11, we have become stronger and we are now aware that we can become vulnerable and we continue to get stronger.”