13th anniversary of 9/11 remembered at LynnRMitchell.com

At LynnRMitchell.com, we have dedicated this day to the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorism attacks. From guest posts to a timeline of the tragic events of that day, it is a continuation of an annual remembrance that affected millions of people. Posts will continue into the night. Here are links to posts published at this time:

Guest posts: 
- Vonda Lacey, local military mom and friend: A military mom reflects on the anniversary of 9/11
- Donald Williams, a friend who worked in President George W. Bush's administration: 9/11: Never forget American under attack, those who perished, and the heroes of that day
- Patricia Kennedy Birdsall, Texas friend and volunteer: 'Never again' begins with you

 More posts:
- 8:30 p.m. President Bush addresses the nation
- 9/11 remembered at University of Virginia
- President George W. Bush and the bullhorn speech
- GWB and 9/11: America is not weak
- 9/11: Thank you, NYPD
- President George W. Bush's emotional 9/11 National Cathedral speech
- 10:28 a.m. World Trade Center South Tower collapses
- 10:06 a.m. United Flight 93goes down
- 9:45 a.m. White House evacuated
- 9:37 a.m. The Pentagon is hit
- 8:45 a.m. America is under attack as World Trade Center is hit

Grace Christian's annual auction: boots, bandanas, BBQ, celebrities

The 2013 Grace Christian School auction has closed out another successful year. The event on Saturday featured a silent auction and live auction that didn't even include the online auction held earlier. An annual favorite, each year offers the opportunity to meet up with friends and family.

Harold Reid of the legendary Statler Brothers who are beloved by the people from their home town, Staunton.

Harold and Don Reid and their families have been supporters of the auction for years. This year they were there again, greeting friends, enjoying the BBQ dinner, and Don even bid on a weed eater. It is always encouraging to see their dedication and support of the school, something that is very appreciated.

SWAC Husband and Kurt Michael during the "Heads or Tails" game. Hawaiian leis are purchased for $10 each for participants of the game where they stand and put their hands on their head or the "tail" until it is narrowed down to a winner. The prize this year was a huge television.

Kurt pondered whether to bid on an item.

Will Bear

Will is at the auction every year where his sisters' children attend. Will was secretary of the Augusta County Republican Committee when I got involved in 1999, a position he later twisted my arm into taking so he could spend more time with the family's business, Bear Funeral Home, in Churchville.

Vonda Lacey successfully bid on "An Afternoon with the Principal" for her sixth-grade son.

Delegate Dickie Bell

Dickie and wife Ann were guests but back in the day he was a teacher at Grace. SWAC Husband and I went through food line with him and got a chance to talk but didn't have my camera with me. This was taken later from across the room ... sorry that it's blurry.

One year I'd love to see some of the Statlers -- any generation -- join the bluegrass band on stage and sing. That would be a treat that would bring down the house.

Statler Brother Don Reid and wife, Debbie, during dinner.

John Morrison, head of Grace Christian School (with bandana), worked the room visiting with parents and visitors.

Debbie Reid and Langdon Reid

Langdon and cousin Wil Reid, also at the auction, are singer-songwriters in the country music group Wilson Fairchild. Langdon's dad is Don Reid, and Wil's dad is Harold Reid.

Peggy Bell is librarian at Grace Christian, and we both belong to the same conservative ladies book club.

The Reid crew was sitting together through the auction.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Grace Christian School Auction
April 28, 2013