Local observances of 9/11 tenth anniversary planned

Although Cairo is hundreds of geographical miles from the tragedies of September 11, 2001, the feelings of horror and sadness from that day emanated out across the country, and many groups here have planned events to give Grady Countians an opportunity to commemorate the 10th anniversary including the unveiling of a special memorial that includes an artifact from the World Trade Center.
Tributes begin Sunday morning at Whigham Baptist Church. The church has planned a special Patriot Day service at 11 a.m. “We will honor our volunteer firemen and display the fire truck painted in memory of 9/11,” says Pastor Richard McNair, “everyone is invited.”
Children of Cairo First United Methodist Church are using their Sunday School hour to mark the occasion by delivering baked goods to local firefighters, police, sheriff’s deputies and EMS to show their appreciation for the services they provide both during routine shifts and shifts that include tragedy.
The Cairo Presbyterian Church is conducting a Service of Remembrance, Sunday night beginning at seven. The community is invited to join the church “as we gather to commemorate the day 10 years ago when thousands of civilians and 343 firefighters lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania,” states the Rev. Kirk Dausman, who will lead the worship. Dausman also serves as a chaplain for the Grady County Fire Department and is a former firefighter/paramedic from New York state.
“The service will be a time to quietly remember and reflect upon the tragedy, offering prayers for all those who were and continue to be affected by the suffering brought on by the violence of that fateful day a decade ago,” the Rev. Dausman says.
Since 1878, Cairo Presbyterian Church has been located at 100 Fourth Ave. Southeast, on the corner of First Street Southeast.
On Monday, Sept. 12, the Cairo Fire Department will host a community ceremony with the Woodmen of the World, Cairo Lodge 580, in honor, remembrance and salute to America’s heroes and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m., according to Cairo Fire Chief Jim T. Fielding.
The ceremony will include the unveiling of a special memorial that includes an artifact from the World Trade Center with a plaque that reads, “This is an artifact from the World Trade Center in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.”
“It’s good to remember the tragedy that occurred,” says Chief Fielding, “the emergency responder’s work has not changed for a hundred years. We’re still doing the same things we did. What we provide the citizens, we’ve been providing all along. It just takes a tragedy like 9/11 to bring it into focus in the public’s view. Cairo is lucky to have first responders who are truly dedicated to the cause.”
The World Trade Center artifact was given to the fire department by the New York Port Authority, and will be placed near the Cairo Fire Department’s flag and fire bell display.
During the ceremony organizers will also pay tribute to military members, current and past, who selflessly protect America’s freedoms and liberty. Also honored will be those who safeguard our community, the firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, emergency medical technicians and other first responders who put their lives on the line for the public’s safety.
The ceremony will take place at the Cairo Fire Department, 555 Second Ave., Southeast, at 10 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 12.