By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
On Friday, September 11, a memorial tribute was held at the park in downtown Gadsden on the corner of 4th and Broad Street. About 150 people attended.
Gadsden Beautification Board Chairperson Kitty Pate welcomed everyone and introduced Gadsden City Councilwoman Cynthia Toles, who gave the invocation.
The Gadsden Fire Department Honor Guard and the Etowah County Sheriff Department’s mounted unit approached. The honor guard raised the flag to half-mast in honor of the victims of the terrorist attacks.
The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by the Gadsden City ROTC program. Afterwards, Southside High School student Kate Falcon sang The Star Spangled Banner.
Gadsden Beautification Board member and Gadsden State history professor George Terrell then spoke about the impact that September 11, 2001’s terrorist attacks will have on our generation.
He said that everyone will remember where they were when they heard about the attacks.
Terrell recalled hearing about the attacks on the radio while in his car. He related these memories to past generations memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor and President Kennedy’s assassination.
Terrell also spoke about the impact these deaths had on Americans, with many knowing at least one person in the towers. Many were never recovered, including a friend of his.
After Terrell’s touching speech, the Gadsden State Community College Choir performed three patriotic songs.
The Gadsden Fire Department Honor Guard than rang a silver bell, followed by a moment of silence.
Before the event concluded, Heather Hochmeister of Gadsden Sate Community College played Taps.