Following the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001, our nation cried out with a simple message “Never forget” and for better than two decades now area residents have come together each year to ensure that message continues.
Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks which claimed the lives of thousands and brought the country to a standstill. One year later, a local tradition known as Random Acts of Patriotism began in the area welcoming all to come and wave flags on the Exit 160 overpass on Interstate 35 to commemorate the memories of those lost and the resolve of our country.
For the 22nd consecutive year, residents again gathered for the patriotic demonstration from sun up to sun down Wednesday with close to 100 American flags again adorning the overpass and exit ramps. Among those in attendance once again was Debi Fuller who has been involved with the event for several years.
Fuller says the event takes many back to September 12, 2001, 24 hours after the attacks, when our country came together as one and showed a level of unity and resolve previously unheard of. Fuller, while speaking with KVOE Wednesday, shared a quote posted to social media earlier in the day in recognition of 9/11.
Fuller says that quote is vitally important in today’s climate where we are seeing significant levels of divisiveness across the country.
For the first time in the event’s history, right around 40 students and faculty from USD 245 Southern Coffey County’s Honor Flight Program led by teacher Jeff True. True spoke with KVOE News during the event and noted his excitement to participate telling KVOE the program has wanted to be involved for many years.
True says none of the students in attendance Wednesday were alive to witness the events of 9/11 and he hopes they’ll never have to experience an event of its like in their lifetime. Unfortunately, True believes it is unlikely they will be so lucky and says he hopes the unity, love and patriotism displayed in the aftermath of 9/11, and the continued efforts to commemorate the event two decades later, will serve as a lesson for his students that even in the darkest times there is always a silver lining to be found.
On Sept. 11, 2001 Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives after hijacked planes crashed into both World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Click here for a YouTube short of Wednesday’s activities.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
