In response to the memorial service held at Tussey Mountain the evening of Sept. 11: For many Americans, Sept. 11 has come to be a solemn day of remembrance. A day that should be treated with respect, hope and gratitude. Today was a day we expected to attend a ceremony to mourn for our country, shed tears and have our tear-stained faces wiped by words of compassion and new hope.

Instead of a shoulder to lean on, to make us stronger, we were faced not by sorrow, but rather a much lighter atmosphere. The military was slighted by the sloppy performances of the honor guard. The orchestra was indiscreetly talking and laughing, and completely lacking sympathy and decorum. The ambiance from the public's glow sticks denied any meaning of our candles. Not only were words forgotten from the "Star Spangled Banner," but also the other music selections were plain offensive. The most cliché, unmeaning pieces were played in an upbeat tone, and supplemented by dance teams, and rhythmic, hoedown-like applause. By far the most meaningful portion was the speech delivered by a food volunteer from ground zero. In fact, this was the only reference to the events of Sept. 11. There was not a moment of silence, or a prayer after 90 minutes of patient waiting. It was so demeaning. We left. After all the pain and strife our country has endured and worked through this past year, this was not the type of "vigil" we expected, and was, in a word, offensive.