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September 11, 2022 - (Album) - Shelby County Chamber of Commerce sponsored group NextGen - Our Next Generation of Leaders, once again joined with Shelby County Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) members at the Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse to place flags in honor of 9/11 on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
This year's event was sponsored by the Shelby County Republican Party and speaking on its behalf was Leigh Porterfield, Republican Party Chair.
"We gather here to pay tribute to the lives lost on what was the worst event in most of our living memories," said Porterfield. "The events of September 11, 2001, gave us a glimpse of evil in the worst of humanity, but that day also showed us demonstrations of the best of humanity. The acts of self-sacrifice, kindness, bravery, perseverance and faith gave us national unity, patriotism and hope."
Porterfield noted those present were surrounded by members of NextGen who were children on September 11, 2001, who now display caring and affection for fellow citizens, giving hope for Shelby County and for the United States of America.
"We commend them for this 9/11 Memorial, and we could not be more proud to sponsor this event," said Porterfield. "We commend the Junior [Chamber of Commerce] Ambassadors for coming out to help today, and we thank the citizens who have chosen to give up their time to come out and help too. May God bless our communities, our country and you."
Sam Beasley, NextGen representative, thanked all of the JCC members for assisting with their efforts and the Shelby County Republican Party for providing sponsorship. He also thanked those working behind the scene including Deborah Chadwick, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, for procuring the flags and getting authorization for the flags to be placed.
Beasley wanted to give some personal perspective of his own those JCC members present who are closer to the age he was when the acts of 9/11 occurred. He said he was 12 years old and in the 5th grade when it happened, and he recounted that his class had just received a reading lesson and were in the middle of related tasks when a teacher from the math class next door suddenly entered the room, approached the reading teacher, and very quickly and quietly related to her what was going and on and to turn on the television.
"It had just been right after the first plane had hit and they were just getting in frantic very fresh news reports from the ground at the scene of what was happening, and I remember sitting in class and seeing that. [Our teacher] didn't leave it on for very long, some of the teachers did, she cut it off pretty quickly after that," said Beasley. "About 10 minutes we were sitting there watching this and during that time period, and for the rest of the day, I just remember there being so many different emotions of fear, anger, rage, even to the point of being horrified and terrified."
Beasley said the main reason they now hold this event is to honor those who lost their lives on that day. Before the group proceeded with placing the flags, they had a moment of silence.
The process lasted for around and hour and 3,000 flags were placed.
