The Daily O’Collegian

“We share your mourning because as much as these gentle men were part of the OSU family, they were also part of our community family,” Brown said.

In a tribute to the men who died in Saturday’s plane crash, orange ribbons were handed out, the candles were lit and Pastor Kent Williams of Sunnybrook Christian Church began the meeting with a prayer.

Brown said, “The people of Stillwater are a close, giving people, and perhaps the most difficult thing we are dealing with right now is knowing that no matter how hard we try, there isn’t a thing we can do to change the events of last Saturday evening.

“No matter how angry or frustrated we become, we can’t turn back the hands of time, no matter how much we hope, wish or pray.

“We mourn for what these men were and what they were sure to become,” he said.

City Commissioner Martha McMillian invited everyone to the memorial service at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

“I think the service will be very moving and wonderful, and I hope everyone who can will come,” McMillian said.

After the tribute, Brown recognized the Stillwater Exchange Club’s accomplishments during its 30 years of service.

The organization, chartered on Jan. 30, 1971, has worked on national projects to prevent child abuse and community-based projects, such as “Give a Kid a Flag to Wave,” where 3,000 to 5,000 flags are given to children and adults during OSU’s homecoming parade.

While working with the Department of Human Services, Stillwater Exchange Club has seen 300 children adopted in the last six years.

“The citizens of Stillwater wish to congratulate the Stillwater Exchange Club for the years of service to the Stillwater community,” Brown said.

Brown proclaimed Jan. 30, 2001, Stillwater Exchange Day in recognition of the organization’s accomplishments.

Also in the meeting, Brown recognized the Stillwater Fire Department for going “above and beyond the call of duty.”

On Jan. 20, a frozen water pipe burst in the Grace Living Center, and because the pipe was connected to the sprinkler system, the fire alarm sounded.

The Fire Department responded to the alarm, and instead of finding a fire, firefighters found 3 inches of water covering the floor of the center.

“They (the firefighters) spent most of the afternoon getting the water out of the facility and getting it into the condition where residents could call a repairman,” Brown said. “They didn’t hesitate to jump in and help out — going above and beyond the call of duty is really what they do, and they do it on a regular basis.”