To commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, East Georgia State College (EGSC) held a ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of that tragic day. Several local public safety and service agencies, veterans’ groups, faculty and staff, and students attended the ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony, the Swainsboro Fire Department elevated an American Flag from a fire ladder truck on campus grounds. The ceremony was held at the site of the September 11, 2001, memorial tree that was dedicated in 2022.
The solemn ceremony began with an invocation by Dr. Lee Cheek, current professor at EGSC and former Armed Forces Chaplain. Dr. David Schecter, President at EGSC, shared an emotional account of his experience at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Guest speaker Johnny Tapley, on behalf of the local veterans’ groups, gave an inspiring message about the importance of public service and service to our country. Chief Randy Ellison of the Swainsboro Police Department shared a moving tribute to the events of that day and how it ties back to our local community.
At 8:46 a.m., the exact time of the first strike, the crowd paused for the sounding of the alarm, followed by a moment of silence. To conclude the ceremony, Taps was played on the bugle by Scotty Nasworthy of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars groups.
Local public safety and service agencies and veterans’ groups in attendance included Emanuel County E-911/Emergency Management, Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel County EMS, Emanuel County Fire & Rescue, Swainsboro Police Department, Swainsboro Fire Department, Twin City Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Georgia Forestry Commission, Veterans at the Library, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the American Legion, and the EGSC Police Department.
