September 11, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb Countians remembered 9/11 on Sunday turning out for a special local tribute 21 years after the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.
The auditorium at the Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center was almost full as people came to honor those whose lives were lost that day in New York, Washington D.C. and in Pennsylvania as well as the first responders and military servicemen and women who serve our community and nation.
Country star Aaron Tippin and his wife and son, Thea and Tom were featured on the song “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” (View video below) which he debuted at the first local 9/11 memorial one week after the tragedy 21 years ago before a huge crowd on the steps of the courthouse. Tippin returned to perform the same song at another local remembrance 10 years later downtown.
The Sunday program also featured another great talent, Cody Purvis who performed two patriotic songs, “Boots on the Ground” and Daryl Worley’s “Have You Forgotten”.
At the conclusion of the program, first responders were summoned to the stage for recognition and a group photo
“Today is a day of remembrance and we are here to honor those who lost their lives,” said Smithville Mayor Josh Miller. “Twenty-one years ago, 19 cowards boarded planes across this country and killed almost 3,000 innocent people including over 400 emergency personnel”.
Mayor Miller then asked for veterans and first responders present to stand for audience applause.
Quoting from the scriptures in John 15:13, Mayor Miller said “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
“That day (9/11) as many people were running away, people like you were running to those buildings. Thank you so much for what you do,” said Mayor Miller.
“We are thankful for our first responders and our military personnel,” added County Mayor Matt Adcock. “We are here to remember the fallen-on September 11, 2001,” he said.
Captain Jeff Wright and Lieutenant John Poss of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department posted colors as County Mayor Adcock led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by Emily Phillips singing the National Anthem.
Veterans Service Officer Bill Rutherford reminded local veterans that his office is located in the basement at the courthouse and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays to process claims and other services for them.
Rutherford also spoke of the lasting effects nationally of the 9/11 tragedy.
“There are still people dying every day of cancer from that day 9/11. When we went to bring them (terrorists) to justice, we had 2,456 service men and women die in Afghanistan. We had another 1,822 contractors killed and a staggering 20,752 wounded. The National Defense Ribbon is given to a service member when we are in a defensive posture. It will be suspended in January and that will be a 21-year run. The longest run in its history that we’ve been at war,” said Rutherford.
Following Rutherford’s remarks, a detail outside the building conducted the three-volley rifle fire salute and played taps which could be heard inside.
Andy Patterson, minister of the Smithville First Free Will Baptist Church, then made some remarks before asking the audience to join him in prayer and a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims.
“On this day 21 years ago, 246 people woke up in preparation for their morning flights; 2,606 people arose from sleep in preparation for work; 343 firefighters got dressed in preparation for their morning shift; 60 police officers made preparations for their morning patrols; and 8 paramedics prepared for the morning shift of saving lives. None of them saw past 10 a.m. on September 11, 2001,” said Patterson.
“Our unifying cause since 9/11 2001 has been never forget and how could we ever? I could never erase that day from my mind as I am sure you cannot. On that day my heart changed. We all viewed evil on a grand scale. Families drew closer together, the nation prayed, flags were unfurled and displayed all across our neighborhoods and homes again. God Bless America was sung on the steps of the US Capitol. Certainly, none of us could ever forget 9/11. Let’s agree together as citizens to never forget in our lifetime the heroes, the men and women, and the first responders who rushed into the burning buildings. Let’s remember we have a God who loves us and wants us as a nation to come back to him,” he said.
Patterson then read a poem which was written after the 9/11 tragedy from the perspective of God called “I Was There” or “Meet Me in The Stairwell”.
“You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke-filled room with a man who called his wife to say ‘Good-Bye.’ I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, ‘Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.’
I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn’t coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out God help me. ‘I (God) have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!’ . I said Of course I will show you the way home – only believe in Me now.’
I was at the base of the building with a minister ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name – though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn’t hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; ‘But, I (God) was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you.
Love, God”