Through all kinds of weather, we all met together. That we did Sunday night at Freedom Park for the 9-11 Candlelight Vigil. We were met with strong gusts of wind that threatened the stage props and sound system. That was followed by a gentle rain that drove attendees underneath the awning at the Splash pad. The rain soon ceased and we all gasped at the sight of a beautiful double rainbow that arched over Ridgecrest. Captain Jeremy Vaughan, who had come as our guest speaker for the ceremony said, “God is blessing us in Ridgecrest and also China Lake as the rainbow is arched over B Mountain.” Several observers noted that it was the most vivid rainbow that they had ever seen. Some others reminded us that the rainbow was a sign of God’s promise of blessing. The bagpipers then began to play and attendees began to gather in front of the gazebo for the ceremony. The Kern County Firefighters led us in the Fireman’s Prayer followed by the solemn Fireman’s Bell Ceremony. The candles were then lit in honor of those lost on 9-11 2001. This offered a soft glow in the darkness. Closing the ceremony, taps were played. Those holding candles stood motionless for several minutes in the glow of the candlelight as if to savor the meaningful experience of the moment.
