By Betsy Finklea
The 9/11 tragedy and the surge of American spirit that followed was remembered at the Patriot Day ceremony at the Dillon County Courthouse on Wednesday morning.
Dillon County Veteran of the Year Commander Thom Thompson said 9/11 was the day that America was attacked by a foreign enemy. He said most older adults remember where they were and what they were doing at the time of the disaster.
Thompson had just arrived at work when his wife called him and told him to turn on the tv.
As Americans, we felt helpless. We did not know what to do. He talked about the four weaponized planes and the timeline. 2,977 people lost their lives that day. 441 first responders lost their lives, and 19 hijackers gave up their lives.
He talked about the first responders in Dillon County and the selfless act it is to take a job as a first responder.
Rev. Jamie Arnette of Dillon First Baptist Church offered prayer. He said as we reflect on 9/11 let us remember our vulnerability as a nation and that we are completely dependent upon God. “We are not immune,” said Arnette. He said let 9/11 be an urgent reminder to turn back to God. He said God is our “help, hope, and security.”
The speaker was the Honorable Judge James E. Lockemy. Lockemy said this is the 23rd commemoration of 9/11 in Dillon County. A commemoration has been held every year. He recalled the events of that day and recognized the fact that the Dillon Christian School students in attendance were not even born at the time of the attacks. “Let’s remember the effects of 9/11 not just on that day, but on the years that followed in this country and this world,” said Lockemy, “and the duties we have as Americans to be aware, to be vigilant, and to show love to each other.”
A first responder, who is also a veteran, was recognized. This year’s recipient was Craig Brown. Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1970 and served until 1974. He was on the USS Nathaniel Greene. He was a quartermaster of navigation of the submarine (boat). His secondary job was firearms expert. Some of Craig’s other duties were signalman (Morse Code with a flashlight), radar operator, diver, damage control officer, and firefighter. He went on six patrols, each patrol was 3 months without surfacing. Towards the end of his time of enlistment, Brown received a promotion to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class and Submariner. Craig was a member of the City of Dillon Police Department and the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as a member of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
Judge Lockemy called on Sheriff Jamie Hamilton to speak about Brown. He said Brown is always there and always present and has a servant’s heart. He chose to serve in the military, and he chooses to serve his community as a deputy. He takes his job seriously.
Brown was presented a Dillon County Veterans of the Year coin by Commander Thompson and a Dillon County flag that has flown over the Dillon County Courthouse.
Brown was very appreciative of the award.
A ceremony was conducted to replace the Dillon County flag. The flag handlers were Veteran of the Year Joe Manning and Veteran of the Year Harry Moore.
The memorial wreath was placed by Dillon County Council Chairwoman Detrice Dawkins and Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton assisted by Veteran of the Year Lloyd Brown.
Commander Thompson led the pledge of allegiance followed by a closing prayer by Jamie Arnette.
The ceremony ended with everyone shouting “God Bless America.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
Click to enlarge the photo.
