The public is invited to a ceremony commemorating and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 with a Thursday service at the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighters Memorial next to Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
The service begins at 9:30 a.m. where everyone will assemble at the memorial site, which is situated between South Fulton and South Main streets at 1400 South Main St.
The ceremony is held to also recognize the first responders and others who died during the terrorist attacks in New York and at the Pentagon.
Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten will be the keynote speaker. Mayor Paul Woodson and Rowan County Commission Chairman Jim Sides will also speak.
The Salisbury Fire, Salisbury Police and the Rowan County Sheriff’s honor guard will present the colors and lay a wreath at 9:35 a.m.
Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said a chaplain with the Salisbury Police Department will provide the invocation.
Glenn Young with the Salisbury Fire Department will ring the bell during the ceremony.
The ringing of the bell represents the end of the emergency and the return to quarters. Traditionally, there are three rings of the bell, three times.
Those gathered will participate in a moment of silence followed by a 10:01 a.m. roll call of any deceased members and Taps, which will be played by Firefighter Brantley Shanks.
Chaplain Mike Taylor with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office will close the ceremony with a prayer.
The ceremony will conclude at 10:15 a.m.
Parnell said the steel that the city received from the first World Trade Tower will also be on display.
Other events include:
• Price of Freedom Museum’s Remembrance of 9/11 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13: “Memories of Yesteryears” with restored farm equipment and vehicles; gospel and bluegrass music; fire, police, rescue and emergency equipment; Simulated Smoke House; fire safety for the children; backyard barbecue by We Care Ministry of Oak Grove Baptist Church in China Grove. Food tickets in advance $7 at 704-857-3208.
• Carson High School will have a “9/11 Meet Me At The Pole” event on Thursday from 7 a.m.-7:25 a.m. at the flag pole in front of the school.
• Catawba College’s Campus Worship service will be dedicated to lifting up 9/11 and commemorating that event.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.