Community members gathered early last Thursday morning at the Putnam County Veterans Wall of Honor Park for a brief, solemn ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.
Approximately 40 local officials, first responders, veterans, and citizens came together to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and to honor those who continue to serve.
The second-annual event, organized and hosted by Eatonton VFW Thrift Store manager Nikki Barker, was attended by past and present members of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, city and county officials, local police and fire department personnel, and members of the Putnam County High School chorus and band.
“On September 11th, 2001, we were all Americans, and we were all bleeding red, white, and blue,” Barker said to open the event. “We accepted one another. We were nicer to one another, and we started showing pride for our country.”
She then expressed gratitude to emergency personnel, past and present.
“Today, I want to honor and remember everyone that we lost 24 years ago in the 9/11 attacks, and I’d like to thank all of our emergency service personnel for what they do every day,” Barker said.
Reverend Sidney Jackson, a Vietnam Marine Purple Heart recipient, provided a closing prayer to the ceremony.
“Lord, we all remember what we were doing at that time and where we were. And Lord, please, I pray that we never, never forget that day,” Jackson said. “Give us love, understanding, and peace as we go forward. You are our maker and creator, and you made all of us, no matter what color or creed we are.”
The Putnam County High School Honor Guard carried the nation’s colors and the school’s choir, including Skylar Arnett, Emma Bloodworth, Coleman Clewis, Madyson Eubanks, Leah Helms, Samantha James, Marilyn Johnson, Christina Lewis, Crystal Lopez, Joelyn Madden, Gabriel Mendez, Hunter Mincey, Lily Mincey, Henry Nelson, Kannericka Nelson, Kellsey Ortega, Cernesia Reid, Alexa Salas, Parris Sands, Bella Turpin, and Bobby West performed before the event concluded with an emotional performance of “Taps” by 17-year-old PCHS honors student Caydin Pittman.
“My wish is that we could return to the people that we were on September 12th, 2001, and not take a single day for granted,” Barker said to close her remarks.