The 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina will pay tribute to South Carolina First Responders and Military Service Members during the “20th Anniversary 9/11 Morning of Remembrance” program to be held at the 9/11 Remembrance Memorial located at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
As we recognize the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Dan Hennigan, Chairman and Founder of the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation, retired United States Army veteran and an honorary Battalion Chief with the Fire Department of New York, will honor the heroes who were lost in the attacks of 9/11 and the actions we have taken to ensure that we always remember and never forget the events of that tragic day. It will also pay tribute to the 13 heroes who sacrificed their all in the recent events in Afghanistan.
Governor Henry McMaster will offer remarks to acknowledge the contributions of those who perished during the events of September 11, 2001 and to honor First Responders and Military Service Members who serve daily to protect freedom and keep communities and loved ones safe.
Henry Lewis, Executive Director of the South Carolina EMS Association will be the keynote speaker for the event.
Joining Governor McMaster, Hennigan and Lewis, will be Gold and Blue Star Mothers, the 246th Army Band, the Blythewood High School Choir, Dawn Yamashiro, a 9/11 Family Member, and others who support and serve and are committed to making the 20th Anniversary a time of remembrance and recognition.
Bells will toll and a moment of silence will be observed at the exact times of the attacks at the North Tower of the World Trade Center, the South Tower of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing 2,976 people and injuring thousands more.
A special tribute will be rendered at the times of each of the four plane strikes. A Roll Call of South Carolina’s Fallen Heroes will be provided by an Honor Guard, consisting of members of the Military Services and First Responders.
The program takes place at the 9/11 Memorial in front of the Wall of Remembrance Memorial Wall which honors local heroes from the Midlands who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to protecting others. The Wall of Remembrance bears the photos of South Carolina’s heroes.
Due to COVID 19, space and seating is very limited for in person attendance at this event. While the public is invited to participate in the 9/11 Historical Morning of Remembrance in person, CDC Social distancing guidelines will be strictly upheld and face masks will be required for in person attendance. Face masks will be available at the ceremony for those who do not have one. The event will be broadcast on Facebook live @SCRemembers911 and @facebook.com/scremembers911/.
Viewing will be enhanced through the use of sign language interpreters from the SC Interpreting Services for the Deaf.
The ceremony is open to the public and free of charge.
