As the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks approaches, the Akron Beacon Journal is receiving calls and emails from area residents who want to share their thoughts.In addition, some community organizations are announcing last-minute events.A special 9/11 commemorative section will appear in Sunday’s paper with select memories and news stories.To provide an additional forum, the Beacon Journal will provide a place on Ohio.com called “9/11 retrospective: Thoughts and events on the 10-year anniversary.”To have your information considered for publication, email it to bjnews@thebeaconjournal.com and it will be reviewed for posting on Ohio.com.SUBMISSIONSLetter from Medina auditor(News release)This Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It brings tears to my eyes as I contemplate the last decade. As we remember all who perished in that tragedy and honor all who have given their lives in the ensuing conflicts, I’m of the opinion that it is always better to look forward rather than back; to focus on hope and promise rather than languish in despair and melancholy.Towards that end, it is good to remember the response of the eagle to storms that would destroy lesser animals. In response to unexpected violent tempests, the eagle soars and rises above the disturbance, using unforeseen forces to propel it to greater heights. In contrast to other animals who stay mired in the storm and are consumed, the eagle’s response to the very thing that could destroy it allows it to propel itself to levels unattainable without the disturbance.Ten years after 9/11, let us all commit ourselves to rising to otherwise unattainable levels rather than allowing ourselves to be destroyed in the disturbance.May God grant all of us the courage, perseverance, compassion and unity that we so dearly need in these troubling times.My family wishes you the best this 9/11 weekend.Michael E. KovackMedina County AuditorMontrose Dealerships to commemorate Patriot Day(News release)The Montrose Auto Group salutes the men and women serving in our Armed Forces as well as the brave first responders throughout the country and will host activities on Sunday, September 11th at three Northeast Ohio dealerships to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Patriot Day. Details for the three events follow:• The Alliance Chamber of Commerce together with Montrose Ford-Lincoln, Huntington, and Miller & Company will jointly host events honoring the memory of those who have served our nation in a Day of Remembrance, beginning with a Walk of Honor at 8:15 a.m. originating at the Bell Tower at the University of Mount Union. A ceremonial flag raising will be held at Montrose Ford-Lincoln at 2480 W. State St. in Alliance at noon. Refreshments and commemorative pins will be available to participants.A Ceremony to Remember will take place at Memorial Park at 1 p.m., followed by a Neighborhood Cleanup at 2 p.m. at Glamorgan Castle. A collection for the USO will be conducted all day at Montrose Ford-Lincoln, and from 2 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park. Needed items include men’s deodorant, shaving cream, chap stick, ear/eye drops, and batteries.• The American Legion of Kent will conduct a commemoration saluting the men and women of the armed forces in conjunction with the city of Kent Fire Department at Montrose Mazda of Kent (1127 W. Main St., Kent) with an Honor Guard presentation at noon. All participants, including visiting members of the North Coast Miata Club and Freedom Motorsports, will be treated to refreshments after the ceremony provided by Beef O’Brady’s.• The Copley Fire Department will fly the American flag atop an extended Ladder Truck at Montrose Ford in Fairlawn from noon until 2 p.m., with a commemorative ceremony at 12:30 p.m. honoring our fallen heroes and saluting the bravery of the firemen who protect us every day. The Patriot Day salute will coincide with the Northeastern Ohio Mustang Club’s All-Mustang Car Show at Montrose Ford in Fairlawn with proceeds benefitting Valor House, a transitional housing facility for male veterans. The All-Mustang Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (3960 Medina Road, Fairlawn).The Montrose Auto Group is proud to salute the men and women who protect and serve our nation and invite all to participate in the Patriot Day commemorations on Sunday, September 11th.