9/11 Remembrance Foundation holds annual Lincoln St. ceremony

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The annual 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony brings together First Responders, service members, and families from across the Midlands — honoring every life taken on that day 24 years ago.

“We collectively realized the world would never be the same. We watched as thousands of people ran from the scene and saw brave men and women run into it, not thinking that they may have experienced their last kiss from their family, last baseball game, or maybe their last cold beer with friends,” says ABC Columbia’s Tyler Ryan, who serves as the emcee for the event.

Held by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, the event also recognizes each of the 64 First Responders and military members who’ve died here at home since September 11, 2001.

Bells were rang at exactly 8:46, 9:03, 9:37, and 10:07 a.m. as well — signifying when the first and second hijacked planes hit the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center and of the third and fourth impacts at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

“Think about the 24 and 25-year-olds that never knew their parents, their grandparents, or their aunts and uncles. How would their lives be different today if those people were able to be in them and help guide them?” asks Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

“The two towers were built so we have resolve. And if you notice the top of the towers are cut and sitting on the ground so we never forget the fallen. And if you look at the beams, they’re crossed to remind us we’re a united nation of one,”says Daniel Hennigan, the foundation’s founder.

But the day is also about the next generation — says Jared Evans, board member with the foundation’s “Honoring our Heroes’ Children Scholarship” which gives back to the kids of First Responders and military service members.

“They may move three to four times throughout their high school career. They have mom and dad not there for birthdays, for Christmas, and other holidays and key moments in their life. And when you read the scholarship submission and their essays, their experience with having served is nothing short of inspiring,” Evans says.

For more information on the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, click here.

“To the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives, and to their families, we thank you, we love you and we will never forget you,” says Major General Robin Stillwell.