Why now? As far as anniversaries go, the seventh one of anything usually passes pretty quietly. For the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, certainly a quiet reverence is in order. Just not too quiet, lest we forget.

Of course, few could ever really forget that enormous heartbreak. Still, as Americans, we’re inundated with distractions, and our collective memory is notoriously short-term. Besides, the human response to great pain and sadness is often to bury it, to put it out of our minds.

Martin County firefighters, along with some devoted local leaders, tireless volunteers and very generous donors, are committed to helping our community resist that impulse. How? Well, the title says it all: “Martin County Remembers September 11.”

STUART — A hockey team comprised of Stuart police officers and Martin County firefighters advanced to the International Police and Fire Games held in Orlando on Monday and Tuesday.

Police officers and firefighters compete from the local level advancing nationally up to international competition.

The team won the championship game in overtime, 3-2, beating a team from Collier County. Members of the team included Officers Dan Pantel and Steve Graff, along with Martin County firefighters Chad Pantel, Brad Reynolds, Tom Hornbustle and Mike Pides.