Victory Life Academy held a special ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks and those who currently serve as first responders, keeping our community safe.
Many law enforcement officers attended the ceremony including those from Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Brownwood Police Department, Early Police Department and Bangs Police Department. Firefighters from Brownwood Fire Department, those who serve with Allegiance Ambulance and Heart of Texas EMS, along with city and county officials were present.
Mayor Stephen Haynes shared his memories of that day, so that the students, many of whom were not yet born when the attacks took place, could know what it was like to live through the uncertainty of the moment and understand the emotions that many felt that day.
He explained that he was an attorney in a downtown Dallas skyscraper (72 stories tall), much like the ones that terrorists flew the planes into that day. His office was on the 65th floor.
“The significance of the World Trade Center was their height and the magnitude of the buildings. They were symbols of American ingenuity, they were symbols of what this society could accomplish because, in fact, they were 110 stories, they towered over all the other buildings in New York,” explained Haynes. “The people that hated our country targeted those buildings because of the symbol that they stood for.”
Haynes described how he was driving to work that day, listening to a talk radio station as the attacks happened and that at first many people thought the first plane was just an accident. He soon heard silence and gasp as the second plane hit and the world then knew we were being attacked.
“What had happened was that they had just seen on television the second plane fly into the second tower,” said Haynes. “In the instant, all those people knew. For the first time in world history, that was the first time that the first shot in a war was caught on television. We watched the war start on national television. There was about a minute of dead air and then they began to explain on the air what was happening and the obvious terror of what was beginning to unfold.”
Then it was learned that there were other planes destined for similar attacks. He explained the confusion of not knowing if all major US cities were going to be attacked and the evacuation process of those in the downtown area, being stuck in gridlock traffic with about a million other people trying to get to their homes and families.
Haynes also shared what he felt as a father, worrying about what the world would be for his then 7-month-old son. “We probably sat in front of the television all day. We never put down that baby, and were wondering what kind of world he would grow up in,” he stated.
He spoke of the character and patriotism of the American people. How the largest number of Americans since World War II volunteered to be in the military to ensure our continued freedom. It has been 14 years and there have been no further attacks on American soil, he pointed out.
“There is a lot of complaining and bickering and for lack of a better term, belly-aching, in our country, but there is still a heart of gold and character that underlies our nation and we will always fight through it to victory,” said Haynes. “From the president, to our chiefs of staff, to our men and women who fight in the military, to our heroes that serve at a local level, we have men and women of character in this nation. I am proud to call myself an American, I hope you are too.”
Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley spoke of the task of being a first responder, reading a poem that pointed out the bravery of a policeman, but also reminded that officers are still people, feeling the pain, fear, and emotion as do all citizens, but that they leave their families and put their own lives at risk daily to take care of the safety and well being of their community. He encouraged those in attendance to do three things:
- “Remember and pay respect to those who died. Let their families know that we will never forget.”
- “Acknowledge the many men and women who acted so bravely on September 11th, this would include police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, members of the military and untold numbers of civilians, you are truly American heroes.”
- “This was a terrible event for our country, but it showed how strong we can be. It united our country like I’ve never seen in my lifetime ever, or since. We are a divided country right now, but every year I think that maybe reflecting on the events of September 11th, 2001 will help us remember how it feels to be the United States.”
Corley encourages citizens to get to know their nation’s history, to visit the capital and the site of what was known as ‘Ground Zero.’ He stated, “I don’t think I have ever been as humbled in my life to stand on that hallowed ground and to think about what happened on that terrible day. It is my personal opinion that every American should make two trips, one to Washington, D.C. and to New York City.”
As the ceremony closed, all first responders were introduced and thanked for their service.
Pictured above students, first responders and other guests listen as Mayor Haynes spoke of the events of September 11, 2001. Below are more photos from the event.
The opening of the ceremony included student led pledges to the American flag, Christian flag, and the Bible.
Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley and VLA teacher Rick Phelps listen as Mayor Stephen Haynes speaks.
Haynes spoke with emotion about his pride in Americans and their patriotism when times are hard.
Chief Corley spoke of the importance of law enforcement.
Victory Life Academy students thank Bangs Chief of Police Jorge Camarillo for his service.
