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Photo of Alley Sweatmon courtesy of Kristal Reid
PIKE COUNTY - It was supposed to break the spirit of the American people. That attack that brought down the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Almost 3,000 people of many nationalities died that day and the altered skyline attests to this loss every single day since then.
But the American people showed remarkable resilience, and while we may fight about red and blue, we stand together in a show of solidarity against those who want to see this country destroyed.
Ten years later, people all over the country marked the passing of this tragic event with gatherings at parks and courthouse squares. The American Legion Pike Post 197 planned a program for a National Day of Remembrance on September 11, 2011.
Over 450 people gathered under the trees on the Courthouse Square in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the attacks on 9/11 as well as a celebration of our emergency personnel who put their lives on the line every single day.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard presented the colors, Boy Scout Troop 123 led the Pledge of Allegiance, Miss Alley Sweatmon sang the National Anthem, the Pike County Middle School Choir sang under the direction of Mr. Shell, and the program was closed out with the music of Lonesome Road.
Pike Post Commander Bill J. Payton, Sr. opened this ceremony by reading from remarks by Governor Deal. Past Pike Post 197 Commander Don Bailey introduced the special guests. Special guests included Pike County Emergency Services Captain Brian Michel, who was honored as The American Legion's Firefighter of the Year during the Legion's 2011 National Convention in Minneapolis, and Pike County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jeffery E. Boatwright, who was honored as The American Legion, Department of Georgia 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Captain Brian Michel said that it was a real honor to be awarded as the Nation Firefighter of the Year but credited his fellow firefighters and said that he didn’t do it alone. “No firefighter works alone.” He asked that everyone give a round of applause to the firefighters who were there with him.
Lt. Jeffery E. Boatwright said it was an honor to be awarded Georgia Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He said 9/11 brought a change in how the public and emergency personnel viewed themselves. “All law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS became a closer, tighter family because of it.” He asked everyone to stand and salute the American flag in honor of those who have lost their lives and those who continue to serve.
The special guest speaker was retired U.S. Air Force veteran and Pike County Emergency Services firefighter and paramedic Randy Martin. He told how the actions of firefighters running into a building show the “purest example of love for humanity”. “Their thoughts are focused solely on the individuals inside that need to be saved,” he said.
Randy went on to talk about 9/11 itself and how heroes immediately surfaced after this catastrophe. The passengers of Flight 93, the brave men and women who entered the towers to save those who were inside, and Americans from all walks of life.
Randy said that Pike County is full of heroes who are always ready to serve us: “These heroes who show an unselfishness and willingness on a daily basis by risking their lives for us.” includes volunteer firefighters and first responders, volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMT’s), first responders and highly qualified paramedics who fall into the “Hero” category every single day.
He asked those in the crowd to thank members of Pike County Emergency Services whenever they come into contact with them for being willing to stop what they are doing and respond to emergency situations in our community. He said that they recognized the need for their services and chose to get involved for the good of the community.
Pike County’s National Day of Remembrance was a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives in 9/11. It was also a time to honor those who dedicate their lives to the service of their country and their community. Chaplain Ben Maxedon thanked all of the emergency services personnel who were in attendance at the remembrance and said, “Without you, I’m not sure what we would do.” .
He closed with a prayer for healing for our community, country and world as well peace and protection for our first responders and military. “May all that we do honor God and our fallen heroes,” he said.
Thank you to The American Legion Pike Post 197 for planning our National Day of Remembrance on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Thank you to our community for coming out in a show of support reminiscent of the days after 9/11.
Click here to read the 9/11 article on Pike County Times and see what some of our friends and neighbors were doing on 9/11/01.
More photos are available for viewing and purchase at www.pikecountytimes.zenfolio.com/p391241.