ROCKINGHAM — For more than a decade, local first responders have marched from the old courthouse to Walmart to pay tribute to those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
This year was no different.
The walk was started by four local first responders in 2013 and the Rockingham Fire Department took over planning in 2015.
During his opening prayer, Capt. P.T. Dawkins with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office asked for God’s healing touch for “not only those tragedies …but what’s been taking place in the world, and in our state and just in our county.”
Sheriff Mark Gulledge said the tragic day being remembered was “a moment in history that changed everything for us — for our country, for our first responders.”
“The world witnessed an unspeakable tragedy,” Gulledge said. “Thousands of innocent lives were lost that day and today … we honor not only the victims but also the heroes, our own brothers and sisters, who have everything in service to others.”
The sheriff said first responders know what it means to be called into service on a moment’s notice.
Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge addresses a crowd of mostly first responders from in front of the old courthouse.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“As first responders, we are uniquely prepared to face the dangers and challenges that come our way,” Gulledge continued. “We are sworn to protect. We do not get to choose the easy days. We stand firm in times of uncertainty.
“When we stand together as a community of first responders, there is no challenge too great.”
Gulledge encouraged those who attended the pre-walk ceremony to remember 9-11 not only as a day of loss, “but as a day of a reminder of the strength that we would find in each other.”
Rockingham Mayor John Hutchinson said that for most, 9-11 is a story of tragedy, but for first responders, “it’s a story of incredible courage.”
“Twenty-four years ago, while others ran towards safety, hundreds of firefighters, police officers, EMTs and rescue workers ran straight towards danger,” Hutchinson said. “They climbed the stairs of the twin towers and saved lives — 441 of them never made it home that day. They made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Hutchinson said the first responders today carry that legacy, serving their community “with that same spirit of selflessness and dedication — day in and day out.”
“And as we have seen in recent days, danger exists here just as much as it does anywhere else,” Hutchinson said, alluding to a case last week where two Ellerbe firemen were shot at — one injured — while responding to a fire alarm.
“You have our deepest and sincerest gratitude for the work you do,” Hutchinson said.
First responders who made the trek were joined by several others, including Register of Deeds Kim Roberts and County Commissioner Jamie Gathings.
Puckered Up Lemonade was set up at Walmart offering free cups to first responders until 11 a.m.
NOTE: See more photos from the event on the RO's Facebook page.
