By Melanie J. Knox, Page Editor
The Abilene community has been invited to attend a Sept. 11 commemorative event entitled “Remembrance and Hope” from 6-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Abilene.
“We are just remembering what happened,” said Pam Percival, city of Abilene community information co-ordinator. “Remembering the heroes involved and heroes here in our community yet leave on an upbeat note and with hope.”
The event will be broadcast live on local television stations and will include the singing of The Star Spangled Banner, Let There Be Peace on Earth, Strong Tall Towers, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, We Shall Overcome and God Bless America.
These songs will be led by a community choir and members of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra.
Local business owner and renowned vocalist Harold Christian will be singing Amazing Grace during the opening procession of local heroes from the Abilene Fire Department, Abilene Police Department and Dyess Air Force Base. Christian will be accompanied by the Strings Unlimited youth violin ensemble.
“Our public officials put their lives on the line for us every day,” Percival said. “While they may not have been in New York that day, they are still committed to making sure that our community is a safe place, and they do a wonderful job.”
The scheduled speakers are: Abilene mayor Grady Barr; Colonel Tom Bell, Dyess 7th bomb wing vice commander; and Lt. Col. Rob Maness, current B-1 crew member with the 13th bomb squadron at Dyess who was stationed at the Pentagon and there during the attacks.
Two high school speakers are Meagan Lewallen from Hawley High School and Eduardo De Los Santos, an Abilene High student who will read Psalm 46 in English and Spanish.
At the conclusion of the event, a B-1 aircraft from Dyess is scheduled to do a flyover in the area of downtown Abilene.
Percival encouraged university students to be involved.
“Students are a part of the community and the nation, and this affected us all,” Percival said. “This is a chance for everyone to come together and remember.”
