The City of Hickory, in a somber nod to history, is preparing to observe the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, the local community will gather at 10 a.m. at Union Square in the heart of downtown Hickory to honor the memories of those lost on that tragic day. This ceremony, open to the public and an estimate to last about 30 minutes, is set to feature Mayor Hank Guess, Hal Row of WHKY, and Reverend Antonio Logan, according to an announcement by the City of Hickory.
As part of the commemoration, attendees will witness the presentation of Colors by the Joint Honor Guard of the Hickory Fire and Police Departments, while vocalist LaRhonda Carlton will lend her voice to the occasion. Echoing the sentiments of unity and patriotism, Hickory Elks Lodge 1654 will distribute American stick flags, thread to fabric, these small tokens symbolize a nation's endurance through the years of both calm and calamity. Earlier in the morning, at 8:46 a.m., just as American Airlines Flight 11 did 24 years ago.
The solemn rhythm of church bells will signal more than just the time of day; they will transport minds back to the exact moments that tore through America's consciousness. The timeline of loss began at 8:46 a.m. when the North Tower was struck and continued until 10:28 a.m. with the collapse of the North Tower, all meticulously documented for a collective act of remembrance.
Mayor Hank Guess will take the lead in this act of collective memory, steering the community through grief and remembrance during a ceremony that promises to unite those in attendance. The ceremony's interlude of performances by LaRhonda Carlton and solemn presentation of colors, are intended to bring comfort, and to stir the still waters of reflection.
