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September 11, 2015 - A Patriot Day remembrance ceremony was held on the Center square Friday, September 9, 2016 in recognition of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. VFW Post 8904 hosted the event led by Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, and several representatives of law enforcement and other emergency personnel spoke.
Citizens of Shelby County were also in attendance for the event which reflected on the terrorist attack on the United States and the over 3,000 lives lost in the attack. Karen Jones, Center First United Methodist Church Minister, provided the opening prayer for the ceremony. Following the opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
"We're here this morning to honor the over 3,000 people who died on September 11, 2001 and all those who have served and sacrificed greatly in the years since the war on terror," said Hume.
Hume listed the names of Shelby Countians who have lost their lives since the war against terror began. Larry E. Polley, Jr. killed in Iraq January 17, 2004; Kevin Casey Roberts, U.S. Army, killed in Afghanistan May 7, 2008; Cory J. Bertrand, U.S. Army, killed in action Afghanistan October 14, 2008.
"The war on terror; however, has not been confined to military actions. Many of our first responders right here on the home land have shared all of this service and all of this sacrifice, and your presence here this morning continued the spirit of unity and patriotism reborn that day in 2001," said Hume.
Introduced by Hume, and speaking on behalf of first responders in Shelby County were Derrick Lightfoot, Center fireman; Jim Albers, Center Police Chief; Willis Blackwell, Shelby County Sheriff; and Jessie Griffith, ACE EMS Manager. Each reflected on the tragedy of September 11, 2015 and the effect it had and has continued to have for all Americans.
Griffith placed the memorial wreath on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial, after which Hume reminded everyone to remember Mike Wood who formerly played the bagpipes at VFW events and who passed away December 2015. A moment of silence was had followed by playing of Taps. Leigh Porterfield then led everyone in singing God Bless America.
