A Patriot Day ceremony to recognize the tragedy of September 11, 2001 was held on Friday, September 9th at the Dillon County Courthouse. Many people participated in recognizing this 15th anniversary. Judge James E. Lockemy and youth placed flags on the courthouse grounds and  provided a memorial wreath. Veterans Affairs Officer Jerry Huggins also assisted.
Judge James Lockemy opened the ceremony with remarks and the introduction of Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr.
Rev. Dean Parker gave the opening prayer. Lynn Bowman sang the National Anthem. County Administrator Clay Young led the Pledge of Allegiance. Coroner Donnie Grimsley recognized the first responders.
Guest speakers were Pastor Haywood Proctor and Rev. Frankie Thomas. Barbara Causey sang two selections. Rev. Paul Gasque gave the closing prayer.
Here are the remarks from Pastor Haywood Proctor:

Speech for 9/11 Service Friday September 9, 2016

I know that for all of us here today – and in fact, for all Americans – September 11, 2001 forever changed our world……

Just as December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor Day – defined a generation, September 11, 2001 has forever shaped who we are, how we live our daily lives and what we believe in.

But unlike Pearl Harbor, in which one nation attacked a military installation, this time an organization of terrorists, not operating under the flag of any one nation, attacked thousands of unsuspecting innocent men and women.

Our sons and daughters; grandsons and granddaughters; husbands and wives; co-workers and friends – who were doing nothing out of the ordinary for a typical Tuesday morning.

Bankers and brokers. Analysts and administrative assistants. Technicians. Designers. Some just starting out in the workplace; some at the height of their careers.

Pilots and flight attendants. Vacationers, business travelers and those flying across the country to see friends and family.

And police officers and firefighters, who took an oath to protect and serve the hard-working public no matter how awful the circumstances.
All of these individuals we remember here today committed no offense against another nation.

They held no ill will towards others. They were merely going about their daily routine – working hard to provide for their families and to build the life they dreamed of.

I believe that what shocked us the most that morning was not the unthinkable violent method used to attack us. Or the scope and magnitude of the attacks.

But that — it was our way of life that was attacked.

Our way of life that embraces freedom and democracy.

Our way of life that rewards hard work and perseverance, and yet encourages selflessness and generosity.

Our way of life that recognizes and respects varying opinions in society, and still preserves the rights of all to express those opinions.

Our way of life that allows us to worship freely and to look differently.

The United States of America remains one of the most desirable places on this planet to live; not for our oceans and plains, not for our mountains and rivers, not for our cars and homes and technology. But for our freedom.
The attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001 provided us with an ugly, painful reminder of the hatred and evil — the rage and resentment — which resides in the hearts of some.

In the days after September 11, we were left to console the inconsolable.

In the weeks after September 11, we tried to explain the unexplainable.

In the months after September 11, we tried to make sense out of the senseless.

And even today, 15 years after September 11, we strive to find hope in the moments of hopelessness that still haunt us.

Shakespeare said that “Everyone can master grief, but he that has it.”

No words, no ceremony, no plaques or stones — no amount of tears — will ever replace our losses as a nation. And this memorial service cannot replace those losses.

But what this memorial service can do is to provide us –– with a solemn place to remember and mourn, to reflect and to move on, each in our own way.
 
And let this memorial service provide all of us here in Dillon with a daily reminder to take nothing for granted. Appreciate our freedoms. Count our blessings. Strive to help our fellow man. And to cherish our friends and families.

And let this memorial service serve as a reminder of the American spirit which burns in all of us – that way of life which makes this the greatest nation on Earth.

Our American spirit is defined by our unique ability to reach out and help others, even in times of unthinkable crisis and profound odds.

Just think about the courage of our policemen and firefighters who rushed into two burning towers to bring thousands to safety.

Or the courage of Flight 93 passengers, who resolved to save the lives of perhaps hundreds of other innocent victims on the ground by storming the cabin of their plane.

Our American spirit is defined by our ability to move forward in the aftermath of overwhelming loss, even when it seems easier to quit.

Just think about the countless hours devoted to recovery operations at the World Trade Center and Pentagon sites.

Or the way our communities and our nation determined to carry on even with a heavy heart – by remaining strong and remaining true to our principles of freedom and democracy.

Our American spirit is defined by our ability to rebuild — stronger and more united in purpose – and our brief history as a nation on this Earth is testimony to that.

From flood and famine; from economic depression and civil unrest; from wars home and abroad; and from these unthinkable, man-made acts of terror – we Americans are strengthened by our legacy of determination and resolve.

The most fitting memorial we can truly leave to the over 3,000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001 is etched in our hearts and in our souls as we continue to move forward in the pursuit of happiness, and defense of liberty for all.
2 Chronicles 7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Thank you and God Bless America.
 

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
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