Remembrance Ceremony Honors Heroes Of 9/11

Ruth and Fred Carnahan organized a 9/11 Remembrance in 2002 and it has continued since then. Attendance outgrew the street in front of the Carnahan home and the remembrance was moved to one of the fire stations.

This year American Legion Post 126 raised flags, and firefighters and police officers gave a 30-second siren salute to remember the events in 2001. The flags were lower to half-staff and Taps was played.

“This is one of those times you never forget where you were,” said Taylor Mayor Fay Hatch. “We will never forget.”

The mayor said that many have forgotten the fear we felt on that day, but, “This is a reminder that we must ever be vigilant and prepared to combat those things that try to destroy our country and our way of life.

“Today we need to honor those who, because of their bravery, lost their lives as they tried to help their fellow men in Manhattan,” he said, noting that as the buildings stood burning, hundreds ran to those buildings rather than turn and run away.

“Thankfully there are those among us that run toward the fire, toward the battle…Because of their bravery there are hundreds who are alive because those responders were there,” said the mayor.

“We honor them…pay tribute to them and to all those, since that day and through the years that have followed, who have laid their lives on the line for the cause of freedom,” he said.

The mayor noted that the government has a hard time recognizing that there are those out there who want to destroy us, want to kill us, “that would take down America today.”

Mayor Hatch said that days like this he looks to the past days of the country and is reminded of the first year of the Revolution. “1776 was not a good year for George Washington and his country,” he said. He gave a brief summary of that first year that seemed hopeless, but Washington and his men crossed the Delaware on Christmas Day 1776 and surprised the Hessian troops.

“As we move forward I hope we remember the fight is strong, and we must be courageous and continue the fight without giving up,” said Hatch. “Because these men were courageous and brave, they turned the tide of the war and we are blessed for that.

“Ask yourselves what are we going to leave those who come after us,” he continued. “We need to stand up, we need to join the fight,” and he suggested we send people to Washington who have courage.

“Thanks for being here and remember what happened on this day 14 years ago, how it changed our lives, how it changed our country forever,” said the mayor. “Hopefully, it has made us better.”

Assistant Taylor/Snowflake Fire Chief Willie Nelson also noted that we all remember that event, and where we were and what we were doing. He remembers everybody wanting to do something to help.

Nelson was part of a task force sent to work at the twin towers site as a rescue team, which turned into a recovery team.

“Everybody wanted to do something,” he said, recalling that everyone displayed a flag “The atmosphere wasn’t one of doom and gloom, but we’re going to overcome, we’re going to rise above this. That was the overwhelming feeling throughout the country and throughout the site.”

Nelson worked the night shift and as they would go to eat, a number of celebrities were serving the meals. “They weren’t there looking for recognition…they were there to serve and do their part, and everybody had that attitude,” he said.’

“So as I remember the events of 9/11, I honor those that fell, but at the same time remember the good that came from it,” said Nelson, mentioning Pat Tillman, who gave up a football career because he wanted to make a difference.

“My thoughts and what I would remember for myself, is to remember that, and to work to be a better person, to work to have a better nation.”

Donuts and milk donated by Bashas’ were served to those attending the ceremony.