Several hundred people attended Sunday’s service at Martinsville High School to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Above, a multi-agency honor guard posts the colors at the service. (Bulletin photos by Mike Wray) More Photos
Americans must remember the lives lost to terror 10 years ago while also honoring the ongoing service of first responders and the military, Neal Turner said Sunday.
Turner, emergency services coordinator for Montgomery County, was the keynote speaker during a service at Martinsville High School to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.“As we stand in support of the past, we must too focus on the future,” Turner told a crowd of several hundred people. Focusing on the future includes honoring American troops serving overseas as well as the fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel who protect Americans at home, he said.“Sept. 11 will never be just another day,” Turner said.On that day a decade ago, nearly 3,000 people were killed as hijacked airplanes flew into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and as United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pa. Hundreds of the victims were trained first responders who lost their lives as they rushed to help others fleeing from the World Trade Center towers, Turner noted.“Many brave and courageous souls went in (to the towers), not for commendations and praise, but for love of their fellow man,” he said.Local firefighters, rescue personnel and law enforcement serve in that same spirit, Turner said. They should be remembered as well, he added.Near the end of his speech, Turner said that with vigilance and support for the military, “We will overcome and defeat terrorism.”He urged the crowd to stay optimistic and to commit to God.“This, too, brings hope for a better day and future peace,” he said.Other speakers also touched on the theme of service. Martinsville Mayor Kim Adkins told the story of firefighters in the trade center’s north tower who were rushing to get out of the building when they found a woman who had collapsed. Although she told them to go on without her, they refused. After the towers came down, the firefighters and the injured woman survived, Adkins said.“This bravery is the norm of all of our men and women in service,” both across the nation and close to home, she said. Local first responders “are faced with making similar decisions every time they respond to an emergency situation,” Adkins added.Debra Buchanan, chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, reflected on the way life has changed since the attacks. From expecting long lines at the airport to feeling more suspicious of others, the effects linger, she said.“It reinforced that we could lose (loved ones) in the blink of an eye,” Buchanan said.But the attacks also showed the resilience of the American people, she said.“I will never forget ... how the people of the United States came together that day,” she said. “We need to get that feeling back.”After Buchanan spoke, many in the audience were moved to tears as video footage of the hijacked airplanes flying into the World Trade Center towers, and the towers’ collapse, was shown. The crowd burst into applause as, in a clip from May, President Barack Obama announced that Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, had been killed by the U.S. military.Seeing the images of destruction and suffering was difficult, but it is important to remember what happened, Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry said after the event.For everyone who took part Sunday, “it’s been 10 years ago, but it stirred emotions again, of the hurt,” Perry said. “But it’s also an acknowledgment of the victory, of what was overcome.”After the service, representatives of every local volunteer fire department and rescue squad, along with Martinsville fire and police personnel, and representatives of the Martinsville and Henry County sheriff’s offices, Virginia State Police, National Guard and Stone Ambulance, greeted visitors in the high school parking lot, where fire trucks, ambulances and a Humvee were displayed.Among those taking advantage of the opportunity were Wayne and Phyllis Rigney of Eden, N.C. Their grandson, Hayden Pearson Rigney, is a member of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, and both have other family members who have served as volunteer first responders or in the military.The Rigneys said they wanted to recognize that service while remembering the sacrifices made 10 years ago.Wayne Rigney said they wanted to do three things: “to honor those who had no choice” but to be involved in the attack “and those who did,” the first responders, he said. Going to the service was also a way “to remember that life is so precious,” he said. “And once again to hear from the public that God is still in control.”Jerry Tatum of Martinsville and his daughter, Melissa Tatum, said they wanted to honor the local fire and rescue personnel who serve the community. Being part of the anniversary service “brought back memories that we need not forget,” Jerry Tatum said.Nearby, members of Boy Scout Troop 168 of Ridgeway had their photo taken with rescue volunteers. Members Nicholas Mahler, 14; Taylor Lawson, 14; and Zachary Margrave, who celebrates his 14th birthday today, aren’t old enough to remember much about the events of Sept. 11, 2001. But they said they have learned about what happened that day, and they wanted to be part of remembering it.“It’s an honor to be here, just in remembrance of those who gave their lives so we could be a free nation,” Nicholas said.As Boy Scouts, they also serve the community. On Saturday, Troop 168 did a flag disposal ceremony in honor of the Sept. 11 anniversary, the Scouts said.The service also included a 60-person community choir and a multi-agency color guard. Chaplain Tim Hunt was master of ceremonies.
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