The 13th Annual Stewart County (Tenn.) "Rally Round the Flagpole" National Day of Remembrance was held at the Stewart County Visitors Center. The Dover Care Center hosted the Heroes Picnic at their facility available to first responders and veterans. Thank you to them and their staff for continuing to support the Heroes Picnic for many years.
On behalf of the members of the Dover 72 Legion Family, we thank you for joining us today to honor those we lost on Sept. 11, 2001, this being 25 years nationally and 13 years doing this ceremony in Stewart County. We opened in prayer, those in attendance sang the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. First responders and a veteran spoke about their experiences and whereabouts on 9/11 25 years ago and how it affected them today. The timelines of the attacks were spoken, and a bell was rung to commemorate those times. Those first responders and veterans in attendance were asked to stand on the outside of the seating area. Then those who remained seated were asked to stand on the outside of the seating area if they had a first responder family member, veteran family member, or active-duty family member. Not one person was left sitting in a chair; such a touching moment for all. First responders and veterans received a warm handshake or hug, then all returned to their seats.
Of the 2,977 who died that day, there were 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 55 military members. Soon thereafter, many Americans sought law enforcement, fire fighter and paramedic/EMT employment providing service to their communities. From 2001 to 2021, more than 2 million U.S. servicemembers deployed overseas, with more than half deploying more than once. More than 180,000 Americans enlisted for active-duty service in the year following the 9/11 attacks, more than any year since. In addition, more than 72,000 Americans enlisted in the reserves. Service to God and country are at the forefront of the many who serve.
Those in attendance went outside, formed a circle around the flagpole and sang "God Bless America." A siren tribute for 30 seconds was conducted; we held hands and closed the ceremony in prayer. Many of the first responders attended the Heroes Picnic, but some were called to duty to serve and protect our community due to an emergency. Thank you for all who attended, and continuing prayers to all our first responders, veterans and active-duty servicemembers.