The Statesboro Fire Department held its annual 9/11 Memorial service Monday morning, September 11, 2023, at 9 AM at the Statesboro Police Department and Statesboro Fire Department headquarters on East Grady Street.
The 22nd anniversary ceremony began with a brief welcome by Statesboro Assistant Chief Jason Baker, who served as the master of ceremony. They began with the presentation of the wreath by SFD Captain Jamie Strosnider, followed by the lowering of the flags to half staff and the ringing of the bell by FAO Calvin Hitchcock.
Assistant Chief Baker reminded the audience that even though many of us will remember exactly where we were that day, there is an ever-growing number of first responders now serving that are too young to remember the events of this day. They can't remember the tragedy that we experienced that day, and more importantly, the unity that we as a country experienced in the days and months that followed. It is our duty to remember the motto, "NEVER FORGET."
He then introduced Statesboro Fire Department Fire Chief Tim Grams, who made some brief remarks of remembrance.
"22 years ago, our world changed forever as we witnessed the tragic events of September 11, 2001. That day remains in our collective memory as one of the darkest in our nation's history, leaving everlasting memories of loss, fear, and anxiety," said Chief Grams. "Nearly 3,000 lives were tragically lost and thousands more were physically and emotionally wounded. The impact of that day was profound, extending far beyond the immediate tragedy, touching the lives of countless families, communities, and our nation as a whole."
It was also the incredible acts of courage and sacrifice that we will never forget. Chief Grams shared two stories of heroes from that day including New York Firefighter Stephen Siller, who was off duty, but responded anyway and lost his life helping others. Then he shared the story of New York PD officer Moira Smith who rushed in multiple times to help lead people out of harm's way. She also died when the towers collapsed.
There are still more than 1,000 human remains that have yet to be identified. More than 4,621 surviving public safety personnel who responded and assisted at the scene have died from cancers and other 9/11 related illnesses.
Deputy Chief Bobby Duggar closed the ceremony in prayer.
Bulloch Memorial Gardens and Joiner Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory provided refreshments after the ceremony.
Live Stream of Ceremony
Grice Connect live streamed the ceremony. You can watch it in entirety below.