By SEAN GOODWIN
Democrat Staff Writer

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Residents gathered on the Town Hall lawn and showed their patriotic spirit Sunday night, singing "God Bless America" during a candlelight vigil for emergency workers killed in the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.

"We’ve lost (that spirit) for a while and now it’s back," said South Berwick Deputy Fire Chief Joe Rousseau. "It’s a shame so many had to die for that to happen, but the spirit is back."

Boy Scout Troop 338 organized the vigil. The troop came up with the idea on Sept. 17 and worked out the details this weekend while on a camping trip.

"We felt it was our duty as Scouts," said Scout Mike Harris. "It was the least we could do."

"I felt it was a positive experience," said Scout Mike Cleary.

About 200 people attended the event, according to Town Manager Richard Brown. Those in attendance agreed and had nothing but kind words for the Scouts who made it happen.

"They did a wonderful job," said Town Councilman Gerald MacPherson. "They have some very good leadership to get this together as fast as they did."

One of the Scout leaders, Dave Carey, wanted to make sure it was clear that all the credit should go to the boys.

"There were no adults involved in the planning at all," Carey said. "And that was on purpose."

Police Lt. Chris Burbank said he hopes children are looking at heroes in a different way.

"You always hear kids talking about athletes and rock stars as heroes," Burbank said. "And now you see what those policemen and firefighters did — they must have saved 20,000 people. The kids deserve a lot of credit for putting this together."

The event started a little after 7 p.m. with a bagpipe rendition of "Scotland the Brave" playing over a sound system set up on the steps of the Town Hall.

The Scouts then led those in attendance in the "Pledge of Allegiance." The Scouts also read the firefighter’s creed, the policeman’s prayer and the emergency medical technician’s prayer. The readings were followed by a moment of silence and the playing of "Amazing Grace."

The Scouts’ color guard lowered the flag in front of Town Hall and folded it 13 times until it was in the shape of the tricorn hat, much like the ones the patriots wore during the American Revolution. A bugler then played taps in honor of those who died during the terrorist attacks.

After taps, Harris said a prayer for those trying to help in New York and Washington, D.C., those who may go to war, and all Americans.

"Please give us the strength to get through each difficult day," Harris said. He concluded the prayer by asking God to help Americans "help each other in our hour of need."

The 45-minute event concluded with the singing of "God Bless America" and other patriotic songs.

Burbank said his heart was going out to those in New York and Washington.