Traffic stopped at border for customs ceremony

MADAWASKA – Church bells from the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church could be heard in the background Wednesday morning as a flag at the U.S. Customs and Immigration port of entry was lowered to half-staff at 8:46 a.m.

More than two dozen customs and immigration officials from Madawaska and Edmundston, New Brunswick, were joined by Madawaska police officers and firefighters for the ceremony, played out at the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center in New York City a year ago.

One minute of silence was observed at 8:46 a.m.

Participants attending the ceremony removed their hats and helmets as the national anthem played. A steady rain fell as U.S. Customs Inspector Timothy Emery lowered the flag to half staff near the entrance to the international bridge with Canada.

Traffic between Madawaska and New Brunswick on the bridge was stopped for about eight minutes, starting at 8:40 a.m., as the ceremony was conducted. Traffic resumed at about 8:48 a.m.

“This is being done at all customs posts around the world at this exact time,” Roger Corbin, acting port director at Madawaska, said. “This was coordinated through a customswide computer system.

“It was done at the exact minute of the first plane hitting the twin towers.” he said. “It was a nice gesture of the Canadian customs to join us.”

The port director said a U.S. Customs facility was located in the twin towers in New York City.

Corbin said Canadian customs officials had been informed of the ceremony and the stopping of traffic on the bridge and asked if they could join in the ceremony. About 10 Canadian officials participated.

Local American firefighters and police officers were invited to participate by U.S. Immigration at the port of entry.

A locally made tape played taps, followed by the national anthem. The group of people, more than 25, stood silently as the music played.