Ashe County came together in remembrance Tuesday night, honoring the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Organized by the Ashe County Honor Guard and emergency responders in fire, medical and law enforcement, a ceremony at Ashe County High School included remarks from county commissioners and special guests, music from the high school chorus and bagpiper Jim Gee, a video of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., and concluded with a parade of fire, rescue and law enforcement vehicles through West Jefferson.
“This tribute is one way we can forget our anger and remember those who gave their lives to keep us safe,” said Tim Winters with the Ashe County Honor Guard. “We’re here to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11.”
Winters especially wanted to remember Watauga County Sheriff’s Deputy William Mast Jr. killed in the line of duty this summer.
A.B. Weaver praised the local responders who risk their lives and give up so much of their time to help others. He described the beginnings of the Ashe County Rescue Squad and West Jefferson Fire Department many years ago, and said of the local men and women who serve that they are no less faithful, dedicated and responsive as those who answered the call on 9/11. For all the good we’ve done, Weaver said, “We need not apologize to anyone for who we are and for what we do.”
Larry Adams, chief of Piney Creek Fire Department, said he had heard the number 18,000 as the number of people saved on 9/11 by emergency responders.
Read more in Friday’s edition of the Jefferson Post.
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