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Football and candlelight gather Valley together By SARAH LEMON The somber glow from hundreds of candles lit the lawn in front of the Jackson County Justice Building Friday night. Just a few blocks away, the crowd erupted in a joyous cry at North Medford High School's home football opener. In their own way, both groups honored lives lost in Tuesday's terrorist attacks . Central Point resident Jim Cox planted himself in front of the justice building at 7:15 p.m. and raised a fist clenching the American flag. Nearly two hours later, he was still holding on to the red, white and blue. "I'm gettin' pretty tired, but I'll hold 'er up all night if I need to," he said. At Spiegelberg Stadium, the flag stood at half-staff while fans fought tears yet cheered when North's marching band belted out the National Anthem. But when North scored the game's first touchdown, the Stars and Stripes fluttered proudly. Maybe it was the breeze. Or maybe it was the roar from the stands. "We're celebrating for those who can't," said Medford resident Lisa Rainey, adding she was glad the game wasn't canceled. "If we stop our lives, the terrorists have won. I don't think anybody out here is being irreverent," she yelled over the blast of North's fight song. The strains of "Amazing Grace" wafting from bagpipe bellows at the candlelight vigil nearly brought Rebecca Davenport, a German immigrant, to tears. "I know grief," she said. "I have lost one of my own children, and I know how that feels." Davenport moved to the United States with her children and husband, a U.S. serviceman, she said, and is studying to be a grief counselor. The woman who chose to be an American just a few years ago said she takes great pride in her country. Lyrics to "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "This Land is your Land" and other patriotic tunes circulated at the vigil. But the crowd quickly depleted the 100 copies of lyrics organizers offered. Medford resident Alicia Flood, Kelly Townsend of Wimer, and the two friends' adolescent daughters said they were surprised at how fast word spread. The pair made just a few phone calls and sent some faxes, they said, but drew vigil-keepers of all ages. While 18-year-old Suzannah Rogan added her candle to the others assembled on the justice building lawn, North Medford senior Toshia Bridges cheered her schoolmates on. Rogan said being a part of the vigil made her feel like at least she was doing something for those who lost loved ones Tuesday. Across town, Bridges was up on the bleachers dancing and shouting. "By us playing, it keeps our country strong!" Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.