In Polk County and the Landrum area, as in the rest of the nation, yesterday, Patriot Day, was a day of remembrance. On the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, flags flew and speeches were made throughout the country to commemorate the lives lost and to honor the heroism of countless people in the aftermath of the attacks.
A ceremony was held in Landrum yesterday morning, and in Polk County, the Columbus VFW Post #9116 and ladies auxiliary will hold a ceremony Friday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Columbus Town Hall. The event will honor all Polk County emergency personnel for their service to the community, in honor of those who gave and risked their lives in connection with 9/11.
As the events of that day unfolded, from 8:45 a.m., when the first plane crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers, to 10:28 a.m., when the north tower collapsed after it was hit by a second plane, the nation watched in horror and disbelief. For some, it was inconceivable that terrorists could succeed in such a bold attack against the United States. Many felt an overpowering sense of vulnerability and fear.
However, in the weeks, months and years after the attacks, as rescue personnel and citizens alike banded together to help one another and to strengthen the country’s defenses against such attacks, it eventually became clear that the tragedy had actually strengthened the country’s spirit and patriotism.
As individuals, families, towns and cities, we found our way through the terror of Sept. 11, 2001 and came out on the other end more patriotic, more committed and more passionate about protecting the nation we live in and the freedoms it affords us.
Whether you attend Friday’s ceremony in Columbus, or whether you simply watched some of yesterday’s television coverage of memorial events across the country, take a moment this week to consider how fortunate we are as Americans and to give thanks for those who protect our freedoms and our way of life.
— Editorial staff,
Tryon Daily Bulletin