State Auditor Tom Schweich spoke at a Mobil On the Run service station in O'Fallon Sunday to remember 9/11. (Michael Gulledge/OZARKS NEWS JOURNAL)
O’FALLON, Mo. – The sound of horns blowing and the colors red, white and blue surrounded one of the busiest intersections in St. Charles County Sunday as people gathered to remember the impact of 9/11.
The event – held at Mobil On the Run service station at the intersection of highways K and N in O’Fallon, Mo. – featured remembrances, prayers and a speech by State Auditor Tom Schweich before about 50 people.
While a service station may seem like an odd place for a speech by the state auditor, it’s the home for the K & N Patriots – a group that meets at the intersection every Saturday and organized this special event.
Schweich’s speech outlined his experiences with 9/11 and his work after the War on Terror begun. He also spoke of the U.S.’s response to the attacks along with other political issues.
Throughout the speech, people driving by waved, yelled and honked to show their support of the event.
“It’s a group of hard working patriots that love our country,” Schweich said after the event. This was the second time that he has spoken at this location.
“If I can be an inspiration to them then they can be an inspiration to me,” he said. “Anytime someone thinks I can add something to the dialog, it’s a tremendous honor that people want me to speak.”
Schweich has first-hand experience with the impact of 9/11. Prior to being elected state auditor, he served as a U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan during the war along with other federal roles.
Having a speaker like Schweich drew attention to the event, Chuck MacNab, the event organizer and executive committee member of the group, said.
Attendees listen to State Auditor Tom Schweich Sunday at a rememberance of 9/11. (Michael Gulledge/OZARKS NEWS JOURNAL)
“On a practical level, it draws people so we get more people to hear the message,” he said. “He’s an outstanding speaker and he has an outstanding record and he does hold a high position in the state hierarchy.”
The K & N Patriots group gathers every Saturday at the same intersection and waves flags and signs outlining their positions on political issues.
The response is overwhelmingly positive, MacNab said. “It’s a 95 percent positive reaction, but you have to realize it’s St. Charles County.”
Also in attendance at the event was Steve Ehlmann, St. Charles County Executive, who introduced Schweich along with other local politicians and first responders.
For more information about the K & N Patriots, visit them online at http://www.k-n-patriots.org/.
One Response to “State Auditor, Community Remember 9/11”
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Good read and I like the bottom photo!