Local fire, rescue, emergency and law enforcement personnel will pay homage to fallen brothers and sisters during a 9-11 Memorial Ceremony to take place 8:45 a.m. Friday.
The public service marks the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington, D.C.
The service will be held at the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighters’ Memorial, adjacent to Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 1400 S. Main St.
Mayor Susan Kluttz said the service honors those who serve, past and present.
“By gathering as a community of fellowship on Sept. 11,” Kluttz said in a statement, “we are able to honor and remember the sincere heroism and selfless acts of the brave men and women who responded on that fateful day.
“Through their quiet valor and dedication, we are able to witness this same spirit through the daily service provided by our local fire, police, rescue, and emergency medical service workers.”
The service features flags, bagpipes, prayers and the laying of a wreath.
Carl Ford, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, and the mayor will speak.
The gathering will recognize fire and rescue personnel who have passed away during the last year.
The service will include the ceremonial chiming of the bell five times, in three distinct sets, signifying the “last return home.”
A minute of silence will follow, marking the collapse of the first World Trade Center tower. The placement of the wreath will follow, with the bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace.”
Kluttz encouraged citizens and emergency service personnel to attend the service “as we uplift the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that others might be saved.”
President George W. Bush designated Sept. 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.” Flags are to be flown at half staff; American flags posted at a stationary position are to be draped with a black sash or ribbon.
A portion of South Main Street will be blocked to traffic beginning at 8:20 am. Friday. The street is scheduled to reopen by 9:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Salisbury Fire Capt. M.T. Moore at 704-638-4465 or Battalion Chief Chris Kepley at 704-638-4451.