Myrtle Beach Remembers 9/11: A Day of Honor and Reflection
This past Wednesday, the lovely coastal city of Myrtle Beach took a heartfelt moment to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It’s been 23 years since that fateful day when nearly 3,000 lives were lost to horrendous acts of terror. The community came together in a beautiful show of unity and respect, and the day was packed with meaningful activities that resonated deeply with all attending.
Stair Climb Tribute
The day kicked off with a stunning stair climb event, hosted at the Yachtsman Resort. Dozens of brave firefighters took on the challenge of climbing the resort’s steps, a symbolic gesture mirroring the heroic actions of first responders during the chaos at the World Trade Center. Jim Alercia, a dedicated firefighter from Myrtle Beach, shared his feelings about the climb, saying, “My body hurts a little bit, but in your heart, you’ve got to remember you’re doing this for a reason.” One hundred and ten stories were commemorated as firefighters climbed the stairs 11 times, reflecting the heights that the towers reached.
Passing the Torch
In a lovely touch, junior firefighters joined in as well. This informative involvement ensured that the young ones grasped the significance of that dark day in American history. Daniel Perez, one of the participants, brought along his young son and expressed the importance of the climb, saying, “To see everyone pay respects and do this in their memory. I know as he gets older, maybe he’ll be able to do the climb himself all the way.” It’s heartwarming to see traditions being passed down, making sure that each new generation understands what was sacrificed.
A Day to Remember
After the climb, the community gathered at Memorial Park for a solemn memorial ceremony. Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune addressed the crowd, reminding everyone that these sacrifices are not just stories of the past but are instead woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Retired New York City police officer, Karen Normile, shared a moving message, emphasizing, “Our sacrifice did not end when the towers fell. It continues every day. Today, we stand together. We honor the memories of those [who] perished and those who continue to suffer.” The passion in her voice resonated with many, creating an atmosphere rich with reflection and remembrance.
Keeping the Memory Alive
Attendees expressed concern over the younger generation’s awareness of what happened on 9/11. Eric Rice, a 9/11 first responder, voiced this sentiment, noting, “One thing that concerns me is that children growing up today aren’t going to know much about it.” However, the Myrtle Beach Fire Department is making a valiant effort to keep the memory alive. By involving junior firefighters in events like the stair climb, they ensure that the significance of 9/11 reaches those who will one day serve their communities.
“Especially now as they’re getting into their firefighting career, they now know what we endured when we lost our first responders on 9/11,” Jim Alercia pointed out, underlining the importance of this shared experience.
A Community United
The events of the day were a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice displayed on that September day over two decades ago. It showcased how a community can come together to remember their shared history and honor those who have served. Carrying the torch of memory is crucial, and Myrtle Beach has demonstrated that as the years go by, they will continue to honor those lost and stand firm in their commitment to never forget.
This was more than just a day of remembrance; it was a celebration of community bonds, service, and resilience. As Myrtle Beach continues to honor those heroes, one can only hope that the spirit of unity and remembrance will inspire future generations to carry on this important legacy.
