Austell Business Association Recognizes Heroes

by Lea Ellen Rich

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, the United States came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike
targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. We move on, but we will never forget.

On Saturday, the Austell Business Association and the City of Austell
sponsored our 5th annual “Concert in the Park – In Remembrance of 9/11.” Al Holley performed gospel at noon, Ramblin’ Grass provided bluegrass at 3 p.m. and Rambunctious at 6 p.m.

On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, we remembered those brave firefighters and police officers who put their own lives before others. At 2 p.m., I recognized 33 firefighters and 41 police officers from the City of Austell, with a “Memory” pin, as a token of our appreciation for their dedication and service. We remembered our armed forces, fighting to preserve our freedom.

The Wounded Warrior Project honors and empowers wounded warriors who have incurred service-connected injuries on or after 9/11. They offer a variety of programs and services free of charge. We were honored to have five Wounded Warriors present and two who could not attend:

• Staff Sgt. Adam Emory MH2 (FMF) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class,
• Fleet Marine Force Dustin Kirby
• Captain John Kroll
• Sgt. First Class Charles Hutchinson
• Staff Sgt. Zoyie Jackson
• Staff Sgt. William Lowman
• Staff Sgt. Clarissa Hines 

They all received a plaque for their sacrificial service. The dedication was opened in prayer by Rev. Robert Moore and was closed by Rev. Lin Harrison. The last hour everyone stood to their feet as Rambunctious played “God Bless The U.S.A.”

We will never forget…