Stafford, Va. — The bell tolled for not only for firefighters in Stafford County on Sunday, but for first responders across the U.S. both currently serving and those who died in terrorist attacks 10-years ago to the day.
Residents and county officials came to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
Stafford Board Chairman Mark Dudenhefer told the crowd of about 100 people outside the county’s government center that the attacks on 9/11 prompted people to pick up the flag and waive it with pride, and that they should still do the same today.
“When I think back I remember seeing the flag everywhere, on people’s homes, on businesses, on their cars, people when they would run would hold the flag over their head, the terrorists may have taken down great symbols of America but they could not take away American spirit,” said Dudenhefer.
Rep Rob Wittman said the events of that fateful day lit a flame in many to serve their country and their communities.
“We have now seen a whole generation that has been motivated by that day, motivated to serve as first responders, to serve in law enforcement, to serve this nation in our military. And I can tell you as I’ve had the chance to travel around to our military installations around the world and I talk to our members of the military, the folks serving today were motivated by the events of September 11, 2001,” said Wittman.
A U.S. flag was hoisted from a ladder truck from the fire and rescue department as a full honor guard from both fire and rescue, and the sheriff’s office laid a wreath at a marker outside the Stafford County Government Center dedicated to those who died in the attacks.
