Freedom

Robert C. Whiteside
Madelyn Whiteside

The horse America, which sits near the flagpole on Route 490E, has become a favorite of many people. When the horse was removed to be shown in conjunction with the Marine Tattoo, which was held at the Blue Cross Arena, many telephone calls and faxs were received asking where the horse had gone. The horse was returned to its site after a brief absence but has been bought by its sponsor and will eventually be moved to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Highland Park. Plans for a replacement horse were accelerated by the events of September 11. A new horse named Freedom was created and will permanently stand on Route 490. The following is a quote from a Horses on Parade press release of September 20. High Falls Brewing Company today also unveiled "Freedom," a horse the company commissioned this past weekend. "Freedom is in memory of the September 11 tragedy and dedicated to the victims, their families, rescue workers, and everyone whose life has been deeply affected by the horrific event. At auction, funds raised for Freedom, who will remain a focal part of the Rochester community, will go to the Democrat and Chronicle's Lend-A-Hand Fund which in turn, will be donated to the families of the NYC firefighters and police officers who gave their lives in an effort to rescue others."

The Auction will be held Friday, October 5, 2001 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the Live Auction will begin at 6:30. Tickets for the event are available through Thursday, October 4 through Ticketmaster and Ticket Express. General admission is $15 and VIP tickets are $75 each ($750 for a table of ten). Tickets will also be available at the door.