Community remembers events of 9/11

Mon, 09/20/2021 - 8:03am — John Embry

On Saturday, September 11, at 9:11 a.m. on the Butler County Courthouse lawn, several local citizens gathered to honor the victims lost and the survivors of 20 years ago.

Mr. Robert Tuck, Butler County Schools’ Superintendent, welcomed everyone and talked about the four planes hijacked on 9-11 and the 2,977 victims of the Al-Qaeda terrorists.

Hijackers flew American Flight 11 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, followed by United Flight 175, which hit the South Tower. Finally, American Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon, and the passengers of United Flight 93 regained control of the aircraft and crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Brother Greg Wallace, First Baptist Church Pastor, led the prayer while the Butler County High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors. Bailey Carroll and Jon Hunt sang the National Anthem. Veteran Bobby Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief Warrant Officer Retired Robert Hill was the keynote speaker. He reminded the audience of the sacrifices so many gave and challenged everyone not to let their memory go.

"It is our responsibility to tell the ones younger of 9-11 and not let them forget," said Hill.

Butler County Judge-Executive Tim Flener gave the closing remarks.

"Do you remember where you were on 9-11?" asked Flener. "We all do."

In closing, a moment of silence was held at 10:03 am, followed by the ringing of the courthouse bell.

The 9/11 Remembrance was sponsored by the Butler County Arts Guild, Butler County Fiscal Court, Butler County Schools, City of Morgantown, VFW Auxiliary, and the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce.