It’s hard to believe that 23 years have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. To many, that date seems like it only occurred yesterday. The scenes witnessed that day changed America forever, and brought forth a new admiration for first responders, law enforcement and the nation’s military. On the anniversary of that horrible day, last Wednesday, local officials gathered in Smithville to honor the fallen and pay tribute to those serving today.
A ceremony was held at Evins Park, downtown behind City Hall. There, Smithville Mayor Josh Miller led the program saying, “Everybody here can remember where you were and what you were doing that day 23 years ago. It’s a day we will never forget. But in the midst of so much emotion, anger, hurt, mourning, and uncertainty there was so much unity.”
Local minister, Larry Green, then led the assembled crowd in prayer saying, “Right after 9-11 there was an outpouring to God. When we face tragedy whether it’s in our lives or as a nation, God is the one we can turn to. Every person in all those losses that day, almost 3,000, God was with them and their families. God is still there today for us.”
The DeKalb County Fighting Tiger Band then performed the National Anthem, which were followed by State Representative Michael Hale, who stated, “I can’t help but think about that morning, September 11, 2001, when at about 8:19 a.m. a flight attendant made a call that her plane had been hijacked and then at approximately 8:46 a.m. the first plane crashed into the tower. From that moment on our lives were changed forever.”
“Today, 23-years later, we all remember where we were. That day flights 175 and 11 hit the twin towers, 77 hit the Pentagon, and flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. In the midst of chaos and destruction there were brave men and women who responded. While others were running away from the horrific tragedies in each one of these places, there were emergency people going into those places willing to give their lives trying to save families, friends, and loved ones.”
“Many gave the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives for another. Twenty-nine hundred and seventy-seven perished that horrible day, plus 19 terrorists, 343 firefighters, 71 police officers, and 55 military personnel. These heroes died on September 11, 2001.”
“As we pause today, we salute you who lead various departments and those under you that serve our state, county, and city. We salute every emergency service worker, every utility worker, and every military service member who fights to defend our freedom every single day. You are the true heroes, and we honor and salute you today and your families,” said Representative Hale.
Those in attendance at the ceremony included the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Smithville Police Department, DeKalb Fire, Smithville Fire, DeKalb Rescue, DeKalb EMS, E-911 Dispatchers, area constables, Tennessee State Troopers and local city and county officials.
