OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Residents of Fayette County and surrounding areas came together on Monday evening at the Lewis Christian Community Center to honor those lost in the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001.
First organized in 2007, the memorial event is held each year by the Fayette County 9/11 Memorial Committee as a call for unity, and as an annual tribute to the thousands who gave their lives in one of the most critical and most devastating events in American history.
Kayla Kessinger served as master of ceremonies for the event, and emphasized the significance of September 11th to those in attendance who did not experience that period in American history firsthand.
“Hopefully this evening will be an opportunity for you to hear from people who experienced the tragedies that day, and understand why it’s important that we remember to take this with us so that we can continue to stand up for what we believe in as a country and for the idea of the United States of America.”
The event featured live music and several speakers, and attendees were invited to participate in a Memory Walk entailing two laps symbolic of the Twin Towers, which were also lost as a result of the September 11, 2001 tragedy.
The folding and unfolding of an impressive Garrison flag requiring dozens of cadets took place, along with prayer and recognition for members of the military and first responders.
“It’s a community effort,” says 9/11 Memorial Committee member Lisa Tanner, who has been instrumental in the annual organization of the event.
“We have many churches involved that help us that participate in it. We have prayer for our first responders. We have prayer for our military. We have prayer for our city, state, nation. It’s a very moving service and it’s unlike anything in our region.”
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Fayette County area can be found here.
