This year’s 9/11 Memorial Service in Cherokee County hit home especially hard, coming on the heels of renewed unrest around the world and the death of two American journalists in Syria, at the hands of ISIS – a radical Muslim terrorist organization.
The beheading of James Foley and Steven Sotloff reignited the realization that brutality is a way of life for terrorists – eerily echoing the feelings all Americans experienced in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.
Top anti-terror officials are stressing the fact that the U.S. currently faces a large number of potential threats – and warns that ISIS, in particular, is prepared to kill innocent Americans.
After 13 years, it’s more important than ever, to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives during the 9/11 attack – and, to support those across the country, and in our community who dedicate their lives to the service of others everyday – our first responders
Centre Fire Chief Kevin Ware.
A sizeable crowd – including an array of elected and county officials as well as political and community leaders and the entire fourth grade class from Centre Elementary School – gathered in front of the Cherokee County Courthouse to pay tribute to those who perished during the 9/11 tragedy – and those who died in the line of duty closer to home:
Mayor of Centre Tony Wilkie also paid tribute to a member of the Centre Police Department who died in the line of duty on December 20th of 2013:
Following “Presenting of the Colors” by the Cherokee County Honor Guard Rich Lindsey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Introduction of Ceremonies; the Invocation & Message was delivered by Rev. Eddie Nations with the Centre First Baptist Church; Rick Bibb with the Centre Fire Department read the inspirational poem “The 343”, which was followed by the reading of “A Firefighter’s Life” by Shawn Rogers, Sheriff’s Office Arson Investigator.
Fire Chief Kevin Ware recited “The Last Alarm”, which was followed by “Taps” – performed by Cherokee County Band Director Thomas Moore – bringing the ceremony to a close.
For all those unable to attend Thursday’s ceremony you can listen to it in its entirety by CLICKING BELOW
(Information provided in part by ABC News Radio)