For those who were not able to make it to the doubleheader Day of Remembrance ceremonies on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you missed two moving back to back events.
The first was organized by Mayor Pro Tem Donnie Beer on behalf of the city of Beaufort; the second was organized by the faith community, spearheaded by Pastor Shannon Mullen and his colleagues from the Beaufort Ministerial Alliance.
Both were a community celebration of those who were lost during 9/11 and the heroes who worked tirelessly and at great risk trying to save those they could.
As we focused again on the first time in the lives of many Americans — when we were surprised and forever burdened by the loss of thousands of innocent people on our own soil — tears rolled down our cheeks, we cheered for our own first responders and heard inspirational speeches and readings followed by prayer.
Immediately following the tragic series of events on 9/11, we were reminded how the nation pulled together selflessly working to help others bringing together our nation together with a unity of purpose. We were one and we were strong.
I am also reminded how, among our daily challenges individually and as a nation, it is easy to lose this sense of unity that gives our great nation the strength and wherewithal to lead.
No more finger pointing. No more name calling. No more disrespect for each other. Civil discourse, honest efforts toward compromise and forward movement that benefit all should be another remembrance from that day of tragedy.
We are a great people and the Day to Remember should become a launching pad for more unity, more understanding and more collaboration in these troubled times so that we leave a safer and more productive world to those who will follow us.
What better way could we honor the victims and heroes of 9/11?
Mayor Billy Keyserling
September 11, 2011
