Guinn: ‘A new spirit has arisen’

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 | 10:57 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said this morning a "new spirit has arisen" in America out of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

Guinn spoke at a remembrance ceremony at a Nevada Firefighters Memorial with about 75 people attending. There were three firefighters from New York at the event and one presented the governor with a flag that was at the memorial service for the 342 firefighters who died.

Guinn said there is a strong sense of patriotism and family, coupled with togetherness and resolve.

Guinn and his wife, Dema, opened the ceremony by carrying a red, white and blue wreath to the 9-11 memorial.

He said the terrorist attack was aimed at U.S. democracy and it staggered the global economy.

"It will be a long war," against terrorism," the Republican governor said.

He remembered the military men from Nevada who have been killed or injured in the Middle East since the war in Iraq began on March 20. He said he has talked with the families and told them that all of Nevada is behind them. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Cameron Sarno, a 43-year-old Las Vegas resident, was killed last week in Kuwait City, Kuwait, when he was hit by a truck while changing a tire. Marine Lance Cpl. Donald John Cline, 21, of Sparks, was killed on March 23 during a battle near Nasiriyah, Iraq. On the same day Marine Lt. Fred Pokorney, 31, of Tonopah, was also killed near Nasiriyah. The ceremony ended with the playing of Taps.

Guinn has issued a proclamation declaring this "Patriot Day" and asked Nevadans to fly their flags at half-staff.