A very special ceremony and sign dedication was held Saturday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. at Pine Brook Park in Swainsboro. Members of the Sons of American Legion unveiled a sign displaying the history of the Monument placed at Pine Brook Park to remember the fallen on September11, 2001.
On July 28, 2015, Swainsboro Police Chief Randy Ellison, Swainsboro Fire Chief Mike Strobridge , SAL Squadron Commander Henry Thompson and Swainsboro City Administrator Al Lawson traveled to New York to meet with firefighters from Rescue One New York City Fire Department. During that meeting, NYC Firefighters presented the SAL and the City of Swainsboro a piece of Twin Towers remains. This piece of steel is embedded in the monument at the park and is dedicated to all who bravely gave their lives to save others and protect our freedom. This Memorial will always remind us of that terrible tragedy.
The program began with Commander Thompson welcoming everyone, followed by Billy Chapman saying the prayer. American Legion Color Guard presented the Colors and SAL Member Braydon Lawson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Charles Schwabe introduced the guest speaker for the ceremony, Senator Billy Hickman. “Hello, I am Senator Billy Hickman, and I am honored to be with you all in Swainsboro for this important ceremony. Today marks a solemn day in our nation’s history as we, and many other Americans across the country, are gathered to observe the 2oth Anniversary of the cowardly attacks on September 11th, 2001.
We come together as one nation to honor and remember the thousands of innocent lives lost 20 years ago today. We pray for their friends, families, and loved ones that mourn yet still carry on their legacy to this day. We remember what it meant to be a country under attack and how we came together to help our fellow Americans. While those who attacked our nation sought to bring our country to its knees, they failed. On September 11th and the days following, we saw courage, sacrifice, and unparalleled patriotism that will inspire us all for generations to come. I am often reminded of President George Bush’s “I Can Hear You!” speech delivered from a bullhorn to rescuers at Ground Zero just days after the attack.
President Bush lets the rescue workers know that America is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost, the workers, and the families who mourn. While the President of the United States is addressing the workers through a maxed out bullhorn, somebody yells, “I can’t hear you!”. Bush immediately responds shouting “I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people — and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!” This prompts a “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” chant that I can guarantee you was heard around the world.
I have always admired this iconic address because it reminds me of how great our nation is when we rally together behind the love for our fellow countryman.
So many police officers, firemen, and even ordinary citizens ran into burning, collapsing buildings facing uncertain danger to rescue complete strangers. And if they were fortunate to make it out alive, many ran back in to grab more.
These people are the bravest our country has perhaps ever seen and deserve to be honored not only today but every day.
May we remember their courage and sacrifice. May we comfort and pray for their loved ones left behind with us. And may we continue to be inspired by them - remembering that anyone can be a hero. Let their sacrifice be a reminder that our nation cannot be knocked down when we all stand together as one. As Patriots. As Americans.
Please join me in a moment of silence for those brave, innocent men and women who lost their lives 20 years ago.
I want to recognize the Sons of the American Legion for their benevolent efforts to raise twenty-five thousand dollars to create and install this memorial that includes an 18 inch beam from the World Trade Center. This is a great tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives tragically lost — but not forgotten — on 9/11, twenty years ago.
Thank you again for allowing me to speak today.
May God Bless these United States and may God Bless the great state of Georgia.” Said Senator Hickman.
Following Senator Hickman’s speech, SAL Adjutant Al Lawson gave the history of the unveiling and recognized special guests. He also informed everyone that there are pavers available to anyone who would like to purchase one. If you are interested, please contact one of the members. Thay are as follows: Henry Thompson, Al L. Lawson, Gary Mason, Curtis Armstrong, Randy Ellison, Billy Chapman, Donald Hall, Richard Claxton, Bruse Kirby, Braydon Lawson, Dean Martin, Johnny Mills, Kevin Palmore, Ezra Price, Charles Schwabe, Mike Strobridge, Courtney Terwilliger, and Henry Terwilliger. Commander Thompson unveiled the sign, along with the assistance of other SAL members. A moment of silence followed by a 21 gun salute from our police department was led by Post Commander Ellison. The dedication closed with remarks from SAL Vice Commander Gary Mason and prayer by Ellison.
