HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – Sunday marked the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in the United States. Local first responders along the Grand Strand hosted memorable events to honor those who lost their lives fifteen years ago.
One of those events was a morning service at the fire station in Surfside Beach.
“We do this memorial to not only symbolize that we will never forget what happened on those days, but also to help with carrying on this tradition so that other generations in the future will also remember,” said Fire Chief, Kevin Otte.
Many community members came to the service which included a prayer, “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes and a poster of all the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
One of those people who came was Patricia Broderick. She was living in New Jersey when the Twin Towers fell and still vividly remembers that day.
“I knew a lot of people who were horribly affected,” said Broderick. “This is a way to commemorate that, to never forget it and to always remember everyone who worked so hard after it and who works hard now to protect us.”
Another event was held along the beach in North Myrtle Beach. It was the fifth year NMB Public Safety personnel hosted the eight-mile walk to honor first responders who lost their lives in the attacks. Many of those who walked on Sunday afternoon wore full gear.
“It means a lot,” said Firefighter Justin Marsh about the community’s support. He works in Chester, SC but was on vacation in North Myrtle Beach this week. He saw the event posted on Facebook and decided to bring all his gear and walk with others from North Myrtle Beach Fire.
“I was in fourth grade when it happened,” said Marsh. “I was young when it happened and i joined the National Guard when I was 18 because of it to fight for my country.”
Many people stopped along the beach to take pictures, clap and salute the first responders walking by. One of those spectators was Kevin Costello, a retired NYPD Sergeant.
“I was actually at the Towers the day they went down,” said Costello. “I came out to see the march this morning and wanted to show my support and just let everyone know that today is about a day of remembrance.”
Costello said he hopes those on the beach, especially the kids, understand how our first responders reacted on 9/11 and how they continue to protect their communities.
“i just hope when they see the people march by they realize that there are people in law enforcement and in military that do care about them, and are here for them and will protect them no matter what,” added Costello.
