POLAND – State Rep. Ted Heidrich remembered another Sept. 11 with skies just as clear and sunny as they were Saturday.

The legislator from Oxford and native of Long Island reminded the approximately 300 people gathered for Poland’s annual Community Day of that morning three years ago that changed the country.

“I was sitting in the kitchen watching `The Today Show,'” said Heidrich. “Sometimes Katie Couric gets to me, and that day I had had enough. I went out to pick apples, and then my wife started yelling at me to come back in.”

Because of the clear skies, Heidrich said he couldn’t understand how a plane could crash into the World Trade Center. Then as news intensified that morning, Heidrich, a Korean conflict veteran, thought, “My God, we’re at war.”

Community Day organizers Deanna Fickett and Recreation Department Director Scott Segal chose the theme “Freedom Forever” for Saturday’s annual event, traditionally held the second Saturday of September.

The parade, which kicked off the day’s activities, and the opening ceremonies directly afterward paid homage to God, country and those who serve in the military, law enforcement and rescue agencies.

Several parade floats decked in red, white, and blue represented local churches, youth organizations, veteran organizations, as well as community clubs and businesses. No one in Poland was shy about references to God on parade banners. Nor did they seem offended receiving the day’s program, which included religious pamphlets.

Bruce Morris, who grew up in Poland and lives in Mechanic Falls, served as the parade’s grand marshal. Morris returned in June after a year’s National Guard duty in Iraq.

Mike Maberry, a Poland Regional High student from Mechanic Falls, led the morning crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Maberry spearheaded a crusade last year at the school to institute voluntary recitation of the pledge each morning before classes.

Poland resident Randy LaClaire and Town Manager Richard Chicks presented awards of service appreciation to Capt. Ray LaFrance of Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department and Chief Willie Rice of Poland’s Fire and Rescue Department.

And local families with relatives currently serving in the military received honor and recognition on stage.

“It’s a very small world, and we take an awful lot for granted,” said Heidrich. “But God bless this great nation. And don’t ever forget the evil that is confronting us today, because it’s going to be here for a long time.”

Heidrich noted later that some people do forget, while others get on with their regular lives and may not want to remember.

“I can understand that war is horrible. I’ve been in one,” said Heidrich. “But the most horrible thing in the world is not war. I don’t want to see our culture destroyed. I want to make sure that my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren enjoy the same freedoms that we have today.”

The day of patriotism lightened into a festive mood after the opening ceremonies. Pony rides, live music from The U.S. Air Force rock band New Horizon, and several information and craft booths at the Poland Community School kept attendees busy through the morning.

“This year is better than last year,” said 7-year-old Bevin Wallace, tearing herself away from a glass jewelry-making demonstration. “There was no candy in the parade last year. But first, I’ve got to find my dad because he’s got my mom’s wallet.”

The school grounds cleared out for the afternoon’s punk rock concert for local teenagers. Later, activities shifted to Poland Springs Inn grounds for an evening concert for adults.