Community Remembers September 11th

The West Central Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted a tribute Wednesday to first responders along with Brownwood Fire and Police Departments to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the tragedy on September 11th. The tribute honored local first responders and remember those the nation lost on 9/11, followed by a reception at the new Red Cross office location at the Family Services Center in Brownwood.

The ceremony included the perspectives of that day from Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright, Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, Dave Fair – Chaplain of Ground Zero and Dr. Dan Chapman – Chaplain of Ground Zero with prayer offered by Fire Chaplin David Barnum.

“First responders and all innocent civilians young and old are being remembered this day,” said Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright. “This day is also a day to reaffirm as a nation our resolve to fight terrorism and any threat to freedom here at home and abroad.”

Members from the Heart of Texas Honor Guard raised the Flag of Honor with names of all of those lost on 9/11 written on it and extended the firefighter tradition of tolling of the bells.

Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley reminded those in attendance of three things – honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, to acknowledge and commend those who acted heroically on that day, and to remember how the event united the country at that time.

“I come here with the utmost humility and respect for this day and what it means,” Corley said.

Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes recounted the day when he heard the events of 9/11 unfold on his car radio while he was driving to work.

“In a moment as they began to describe what happened I think everyone that was listening and everyone that was watching knew that their lives had just changed,” Haynes said. “And there is no question that 9/11 of 2001 was the most significant world event in my generation; the most significant thing to happen to American since the bombing of Pearl Harbor.”

Chaplains Dave Fair and Dr. Dan Chapman both recounted their experiences at Ground Zero just days after 9/11 as they tried to comfort emergency responders as they dug through the rubble.

“The stench of death is still vividly trapped in my mind as I spent two and a half weeks at Ground Zero,” Chapman said. “I will never forget the smoldering ruins from the event that has unfortunately altered the state of our great country.”

The Red Cross closed the event with a reception and open house at their new offices in the Family Services Center in Brownwood.