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Polk commissioners remember 20th anniversary of attack on U.S. 

COLUMBUS—Most Americans know exactly what they were doing on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 when the planes hit the World Trade Center in New York. 

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the attack on the U.S. where approximately 3,000 people lost their lives. 

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday and approved a proclamation recognizing the historic date. 

Commissioners had a Boy Scout troop lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance and also recognized the 13 service members who lost their lives on Aug. 26. 

There were 11 Marines, 1 Navy corpsman and an Army soldier who were killed in an attack while defending the gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan last month. 

Commissioners met with VFW Post 9116 members Monday, with Mike Collins with the VFW reading a proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Commissioners then participated in a candle vigil and read the names of the 13 soldiers who lost their lives. 

Polk County Commissioner Chair Tommy Melton said of 9/11 that he will never forget. 

“I’ll never forget, I can assure you of that,” Melton said. “I will never forget.” 

Following is the resolution commissioners unanimously approved on Monday: 

9/11 Day of Remembrance

20th Anniversary

WHEREAS, in an unprovoked and senseless act of terrorism, four civilian aircraft were hijacked on September 11, 2001, and crashed in New York City, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon, resulting in a momentous loss of innocent U.S. lives of all heritages; and,

WHEREAS, while we still continue to recover from the loss of innocent lives, the spirit of the U.S. has been revitalized, giving way to expressions of patriotism; and,

WHEREAS, inspired by the heroism of our nation’s public service personnel, military service members, and countless volunteers, our nation found unity and strength; and,

WHEREAS, from the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger nation, renewed by the spirit of national pride, and a true love of country; and,

WHEREAS, Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with good by loving their neighbors as they would like to be loved, contributing to relief efforts, and volunteering their time to aid those in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of Polk

County, do hereby proclaim on the 20th Anniversary of the attacks, September 11, 2021, the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance in the County of Polk. We urge our citizens along with the Polk County Memorial VFW Post #9116 and Auxiliary, to recognize the heroism of firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and the many volunteers who responded to these tragic events with courage, selfless compassion, determination and skill; and to remember the victims, families, and innocent lives lost as a result of the tragic events on September 11, 2001.

This the 7th day of September, 2021.