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Reporter Alexandra Whitbeck recaps the Blackville Fire Department's parade and memorial service held September 9, 2023 to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001.
These American flags in Blackville remind the community to never forget the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11.
Elected officials and residents placed flags in downtown Barnwell for a 9/11 tribute.
Johnovan Minor and teammates from the Warhorse basketball team help place flags at Calhoun Park in downtown Barnwell on Sept. 8 as part of a large display to the 9/11 victims.
Firefighters Samuel Frederick, Cody Skrivseth, Dillon Weaver and Rodney Weaver walk in the 9/11 parade in Blackville to honor the victims. Skrivseth is from Govan Fire Dept. and the others are from Blackville.
Krya and Denver Skrivseth wear firefighter hats at the Blackville 9/11 service.
Allendale Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins and Schools Superintendent Dr. Vallerie Cave place wreaths at the 9/11 tribute at Allendale-Fairfax High with the assistance of JROTC cadets.
Tragedy struck the nation 22 years ago when planes overtaken with bad intentions crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Barnwell and Allendale counties continue to come together in remembrance of the lives lost and the heroes who responded.
“It was the day our innocence was replaced with a harsh reality, and our understanding of the world was irrevocably altered,” said Barnwell County Councilman Daniel Alexander.
In the City of Barnwell, American flags were placed at Calhoun Park across from the courthouse for the third year in a row. Each flag represents a victim of the attacks. Resident Barbara Christian initiated the memorial display honoring all who were affected on September 11, 2001.
Elected officials, community members, and members of the Warhorse basketball team were some of the individuals who helped place each flag downtown.
In Blackville, the Blackville Fire Department held their second annual 9/11 memorial event including a parade followed by a ceremony. Fire trucks from local fire departments and police units from law enforcement agencies traveled down Solomon Blatt Avenue to honor the over 300 first responders who passed away as a result of the tragic day.
Pastor Ken Frederick of First Baptist Church of Blackville shared his personal sentiment of the infamous day. He was out of the country doing ministry work when the towers were struck, and the nation was forever changed.
Former Barnwell County Career Center criminal justice educator and former police officer Tony Littles is a native New Yorker. He worked at the World Trade Center in the late 90s.
“I lost friends that I knew for years prior to working there and the last I counted, I lost 30 friends in that attack,” said Littles. “That day not only changed how we felt about our enemies, it also changed law enforcement forever! I tried to make sure students understood the magnitude of that day. Every year is hard.”
Each generation becomes less connected to the devastating events that took place 22 years ago. That's why these events, displays, and ceremonies are held to remember those who died, the heroes who responded, and those still battling the lingering health effects.
The Allendale County School District held their annual ceremony on the morning of September 11 facilitated through the high school’s JROTC program.
“We honored the brave souls who served at ground zero and the tragic lives lost in the attacks with a memorial ceremony,” stated the district.
Newly named superintendent Dr. Vallerie Cave, Allendale Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins, and JROTC Cadet Lokeya Robinson each gave speeches and laid wreaths in tribute.
“Chief Wiggins stated 9/11 is not just a day in history,” stated the district. “There were real consequences and some people still continue to suffer from health issues caused by working at ground zero. As it is the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, it is important that we ‘never forget!’”
Councilman Alexander expressed how the tragic day changed “our perception of safety, our understanding of the world, and even how we valued our loved ones;” however, it showed him the “resilience and strength of our nation.”
“There are days when I question whether the same spirit that shone so brightly that day still exists. But then I remember the unity, the shared grief, and the collective resolve we all experienced. It reassures me that the United States of America, for all its imperfections, is still a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity. And that's why I'm confident that this nation, the place I call home, is the best country to live in the world,” said the councilman.
