(Danville) — Danville’s Emergency Services Community paused Wednesday morning to remember.
The Fire Department hosted the 23rd anniversary commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Their headquarters on Lynn Street includes a piece of steel from one of the twin towers that fell 23 years ago in New York City.
Danville Fire Chief David Coffey says their duty is changing as we get further and further from that day. “There’s a whole generation that has no idea why we’re here today,” Coffey said. “Hopefully we can set the record straight so that they might learn and might remember going forward.”
Dr. Tiffany Franks, president of Averett University, delivered the keynote address. She says even though nearly a quarter-century has passed, the wounds are still raw.
“Today, as we gather in our beloved city, we not only honor those heroes of 9/11 but also the heroes of our community: the men and women of our fire department, our police force, our life saving crew and all our emergency services,” Franks said. “Each of you are a tribute to the 9/11 legacy of courage and sacrifice. Every time you respond to a call, and every time you face danger to protect others, you carry forward that spirit of heroism.”
Franks urged citizens to never forget the lives lost and the sacrifices made in New York, Washington and on a plane in Pennsylvania. (cut5).
Wednesday’s event was put on by the Fire Department, the Danville Life Saving Crew, and the Danville Sheriff’s Office.
The program began with a patriotic medley played by U. S. Coast Guard Piper Tim Carpenter, and the posting of colors by the Fire Department Honor Guard. In addition to Franks, the speakers included Sheriff Mike Mondul, Danville Life Saving Crew Deputy Chief Bryan Fox, Deputy City Manager Earl Reynolds, and Mayor Alonzo Jones.
Kim Losee, director of development and public relations for the Danville Life Saving Crew, delivered a memorial prayer, and the Rev. David Abernathy gave the invocation and benediction. Carpenter also performed “Amazing Grace” at the close of the ceremony.