Murphy – A remembrance ceremony was held at Konehete Veterans Park on Sept. 11, with locals and visitors alike in attendance.
The ceremony began with a prayer by Chaplain J.D. Baker, followed by the presentation of colors by the honor guard from American Legion Post 96. Guest speakers included Murphy Fire Chief Al Lovingood, Cherokee County Commissioner Jan Griggs and Ranger Fire Chief Mike Taylor.
Oscar Valdes, a veteran and member of Post 96, was instrumental in renaming Konehete Park to include veterans.
Taylor also teaches public safety to high school students. He brought both of his classes to the park for the ceremony.
Sebastian Stevenson is a 10th-grade student at Hiwassee Dam High School whose father served in the British Infantry. He said of 9/11, “It was the biggest terrorist attack in American history, and something we’ve never forgotten. A lot of things have changed now, and it’s just a solemn day.”
The mood was sober as the audience remembered the terrorist attack that struck America 22 years ago, resulting in the need for a remembrance ceremony today.
Patrick and Amy Modglin were visiting Murphy from Florida when they stopped by Konehete Veterans Park. They attend a 9/11 ceremony somewhere every year.
“We have very mixed emotions. My wife and I are both Navy veterans, she’s a paramedic as well. She was at 9/11, so it’s a very solemn and sad moment for us,” Patrick said.
Also in attendance were Murphy Mayor Tim Radford, Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith, Cherokee County Emergency Services, Murphy Police Chief Tim Lominac, Cherokee County Veterans Services and retired members of the military.
“I will never forget that day,” Taylor said.
“As my class of high school kids stand before me, I – as a teacher, a fire chief and an American – must ensure that they never forget and understand the sacrifices that were made by so many people that day.”
James Wall was visiting Murphy from New Hampshire. He’s also a retired police officer of 33 years.
“This is very moving to me. I went down to the towers the day after. We saw all the devastation and destruction, everything was still fresh the day I got there,” Wall said.
“I also saw Americans regardless of color or creed come together and be one. It’s so nice to see the same thing right here.”
Griggs thanked her fellow veterans, first responders and others for coming out.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learned that life is short and there is no time for hate,” she said.
Griggs reminded people that their lives can change in an instant, as did all those on 9/11, and to live life to the fullest, not taking a moment for granted.
The ceremony was about 40 minutes long, with about 100 people in attendance. In an atmosphere of sadness, the skies were still blue, seeming to be hopeful of a better tomorrow.