The Tenth 9-11 Memorial Service sponsored by the Dillon County Ministerial Alliance was held on Sunday, September 11, at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.
The memorial began at approximately 4:00 p.m. when numerous First Responder Dillon, Latta, and Lake View personnel and vehicles began assembling at the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly store located on South 301 Hwy. in Dillon.
The parade began at approximately 5:15 p.m. with people lining the streets to the City of Dillon Wellness Center. Rescue, ambulance, firetrucks, EMS, police cars, sheriff and deputy sheriff cars, S.C. Highway Patrol vehicles, etc. rolled towards the Wellness Center where the First Responders would be honored.
Upon arriving at the Wellness Center the City of Dillon firemen raised a United States flag high onto the ladder truck, and people began to enter the decorated facility.
The Dillon County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presented the colors.
The entire packed facility pronounced the Pledge to the American Flag and sand the National Anthem.
Dr. Rick Rogers, pastor of the Open Door Community Church of Dillon, had the opening prayer.
Judge James E. Lockemy of the S.C. Court of Appeals welcomed everyone and recognized the First Responders. “We’re celebrating the fact we have people in this country who go into burning buildings, who save people’s lives, who keep law in order, who are ready now to go in uniform where ever our country sends them, to fight for our freedoms, to protect our lives, to protect our society,” Lockemy said.
A vocal ensemble performed the song “Hero” followed by the introduction of the guest speaker by Haywood Proctor, Chaplain of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
The Community Choir of Dillon, Lake View, and Latta under the direction of Rev. Jon Whisnand of First Baptist Church of Dillon, performed a narration and song “America.”
Detective John Cavalante of the New York Police Department (Retired) began speaking of the events of the morning of 9-11-01. A sudden hush fell over the packed standing room only crowd when he spoke of devastation, the loss of lives, the loss of close friends, and the smell that lingered for months in his nostrils.
Rev. James Smith, pastor of East Dillon Baptist Church of Dillon, gave an inspirational message based on Genesis, Chapter 50.
His message was followed by “Let Freedom Ring” by the Community Choir.
Sheriff Major Hulon of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office presented Det. John Cavalante (Retired) with a commemorative item of Dillon County’s 100th Anniversary.
Dr. Dickie Cullum, pastor of Dillon First Baptist Church, led in prayer.
Judge James E. Lockemy recognized our military personnel and informed those in attendance of over 4500 military who had lost their lives up to this point in the Iraq war and that over 1500 had lost their lives in the Afghanistan war to this point.
The Community Choir with Soloist Caryn Proctor entertained those present with “God Bless America.”
The Dillon County Sheriff’s Honor Guard retired the colors.
Rev. Rob Pierce, pastor of Latta Baptist Church, had the benediction.