The Dillon County South Carolina Veterans of the Year Organization (DCSCVOYO) will hold its annual Patriot Day ceremony on the steps of the Dillon County Courthouse on Thursday, 9/11 at 9 a.m.
Patriot Day is observed each year in remembrance of all those who were injured, and the 2,977 killed from the 4 coordinated terrorist attacks at the Twin Towers in NYC, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and a field outside Shanksville PA on 9/11/2001.
The deadliest foreign attack on the United States since Pearl Harbor. In Dillon on this 9/11, as has been the practice for the past 24 years, the DCSCVOYO invites our citizenry to gather at the steps of our courthouse to remember the events of 9/11/2001 and those injured or killed.
First responders were so very important in saving lives that day, and even themselves became victims. Remembering them, the Dillon program on 9/11 will acknowledge the ongoing work of local first responders and emphasize their commitment and sacrifice to the citizens of Dillon, Latta, Lake View, and throughout Dillon County. He and Brandy Sapp have been married for 15 years. He enjoys being in the woods, on the lake, and woodworking in his shop.
DCSCVOYO Commander Thom Thompson will open the program, and First Presbyterian Church of Dillon Ruling Elder Kay McGirt will begin the program with a prayer for America. Dillon County Council Chairman Stevie Grice will give welcoming remarks.
Army Major General James E. Lockemy will recall the events of 9/11/2001, the subsequent Global War on Terrorism, and acknowledge our local first responders.
There will be a special first responder recognition recognizing Benji Long of the Dillon County Station 2 Fire Department.
Dillon County EMS Supervisor Michael Sapp is the program speaker.
DCSCVOYO members Lloyd Brown and Asa McDuffie will lower and replace the Dillon County flag as has been the tradition each Patriot Day. (Replacement flag provided by Woodmen Life).
Dillon County Council Chairman Stevie Grice and City of Dillon Mayor Tally McColl will ceremoniously move the Memorial Wreath to the top of the courthouse steps memorializing those who died on 9/11/2001 and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism. (Wreath donated by DCSCVOYO Member Ronnie Stone)
DCSCVOYO member Justin Foxworth will have TAPS played.
“We at the DCSCVOYO remember on this Patriot Day 2025, the events of 9/11/2001 and the bravery that day of those first responders. We are thankful for all our local first responders throughout our communities, and for those service members now serving in the United States Military defending America everyday both at home and deployed. We remember on Patriot Day all those who served following 9/11/2001 from Dillon County and especially those who died during the Global War on Terror –Anthony C. Owens died in Iraq 2/1/2006, Edward O. Philpot died in Afghanistan 10/23/2007, and James D. Bullard died in Afghanistan 10/30/2007,” said Commander Thom Thompson.
