On Sept. 11, 2001, 343 firefighter and 71 police officers were among the people killed in the four terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
On Tuesday, local first responders are inviting others to walk across the city and remember those who lost their lives. Beginning at 8 a.m. they’ll walk from Columbia’s Fire Station No. 1 on Evergreen Street through town.
“We’ll leave the station and head down (Mississippi) 13 toward downtown Columbia,” Columbia Fire Department Capt. Nathan Guy said. “From there, we’ll walk to the Columbia Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Station 2 on Pearl Street.”
Along the way, the group will stop to pray at each location for those who serve in law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical services.
“It’s our fourth year to do this,” Guy, who has organized the walks since the beginning, said. “Just like in years past, there has been so much negative toward police and fire departments. The lack of support is sometimes difficult. We’re the first line of defense, but we’re the last ones to be recognized for it … all of the first responders.”
Guy said he thinks that people are beginning to forget things they promised never to forget in 2001, including the sacrifices made by those who responded to the calls in New York when the World Trade Center buildings were struck by two hijacked commercial airliners.
“They’ve forgotten the ‘Never Forget’ slogan,” he said. “It’s only been 17 years. My daughter wasn’t alive when it happened, but because I promised never to forget, she knows as much as people who were alive when it happened.”
The group usually numbers about 20 as it makes its way across town, but Guy says it’s difficult to see people ignoring or forgetting the anniversary.
“I read that in New York City, they had an annual motorcycle event, a memorial ride,” he said. “The organizers said that after 15 years, they weren’t doing it anymore because 15 years was long enough. How do you put a limit on never?”
Guy said his hope is that he and others keep the commemoration going in Columbia.
“I’m going to keep doing this,” he said. “I plan on never forgetting. It’s free to remember … it doesn’t cost anything. We’re not asking for anything. Just a simple ‘thank you’ would be fantastic.”
For those who wish to walk, Guy said a trailer will be provided to transport participants back to the fire station on Evergreen Street.
Pictured Above: Last year’s walk makes its way down Evergreen Street toward Mississippi 13 and downtown Columbia. | Photo by Mark Rogers
