ROCKINGHAM – Dozens of Richmond County’s First Responders gathered Monday morning and took part in a 9/11 memorial walk to honor those who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The memorial walk, which had been postponed due to weather, included a moving tribute to the event that rocked the nation’s foundation sixteen years ago. The route, which started at Richmond County Courthouse at 8:30 a.m., wound its way around town and along U.S. Highway 74 towards Wal-Mart.
Employees of Griffin Nissan handed out bottles of water to first responders as they walked past the dealership’s location at 1780 E. Broad Avenue in Rockingham.
Rockingham Fire Department Lieutenant Wayne Covington stated this was the third year that first responders, which included local fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency responders, had come together to participate in the walk.
Walkers had similar feelings on being involved. Detective Gary Carter stated he was glad to participate.
“It’s been 16 years since 9/11, but it seems like yesterday,” Carter said. “This is a way to remember the victims and their families that were left behind.”
Hamlet Chief of Police Scott Waters added that, “it was an honor and a privilege to walk today. I hope to be able to walk in this event annually for many years to come. I haven’t forgotten the victims and the sacrifice of policemen, firefighters, and EMS personnel on 9/11.”
