Commander Thom Thompson of the Dillon County Veteran of the Year Organization (DCVOYO) announces that the annual Patriot Day program will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 9/11/2024 on the Dillon County Courthouse steps. Patriot Day gives us a time to reflect on the devasting terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives on 9-11, 2001. On this 9-11 day, we commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked: the first two were flown into the Twin Towers in NYC, another into the Pentagon in WASHDC, and the final plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after its passengers fought the hijackers. On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered to half-staff in memory of the lives lost that day. Traditionally, the Dillon County flag in front of the courthouse is replaced each year on Patriot Day. The old flag will be ceremoniously raised and then lowered, replaced, and the new flag raised to full-staff, and then lowered back to half-staff for Patriot Day. The Dillon Patriot Day ceremony will be a time of prayer for our nation, a remembrance of the events of that day, and a recognition of local first responders for the work being done by them every day to keep us safe. A memorial wreath will be ceremoniously placed at the top of the courthouse steps by Dillon County Council Chairwoman Detrice Dawkins, and Dillon Mayor Tally McColl in memory of the lives lost on 9-11 and during the war on terrorism. Afterwards, Commander Thompson will lead those gathered in reciting the pledge of allegiance. The DCVOYO invites our local citizenry to join them on 9-11 at the Dillon County Courthouse steps to remember 9-11 and to honor our first responders.
