Local military veterans and first responders gathered at the Hopkinsville Veterans of Foreign War Post 1913 to remember the lives lost and honor those who are still impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at Wednesday’s Patriot’s Day Service.
The service has been a tradition of the VFW for nearly 15 years and started with the presentation of the colors by the VFW Honor Guard and an address from Christian County Military Affairs Committee Director, Shannon Lane.
At the time of the September 11 attacks, Lane says he was 16 years old, living in California and was thinking of joining the military after high school. On that day, Lane said the decision to join the armed forces was made for him and he would later go on to serve around 20 years in the United States Army.
Lane expressed the importance of remembering the September 11 attacks and honoring the victims, survivors, first responders and those in the armed services that were impacted. Lane says the attacks also stand as a reminder of the importance of national unity and ensuring that a tragedy like the September 11 attacks never happen again.
Many people today were not alive or remember the September 11 attacks that happened 23 years ago. Lane told attendees to take time to remember where they were during the attacks, and to also tell their children and grandchildren about the attacks and how the tragedy impacted the nation.
The service concluded with the release of red, white and blue balloons.
