RANSON — Unbiased Fireplace Firm in Ranson performed host to the annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony Sunday. The hearth firm started internet hosting the annual occasion the primary 12 months following the Sept. 11 assaults on the World Commerce Heart and Pentagon to honor and bear in mind those that gave their lives that day.
Following introductory feedback by organizer, Dr. Henry Christie, Ed Hannon shared phrases of his expertise, not solely on Sept. 11, 2001, however since that point as properly. On the time of the assaults, Hannon labored on the Arlington County Fireplace Division, from the place he has since retired. He responded to the decision on the Pentagon on Sept. 11.
“You see the indicators and logos that learn ‘By no means Neglect,” commented Hannon. “A few of us won’t ever be capable to overlook and others want they may overlook all of the horrific pictures of that day,” he shared. “There are a variety of blessings related to that day and the months that adopted that I, personally, don’t wish to overlook,” Hannon went on, including that these blessings are what compelled him to talk on the ceremony this 12 months.
Throughout his feedback, Hannon referenced the Important Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) program that he mentioned was in existence lengthy earlier than the Sept. 11 assaults at Arlington County Fireplace Division. He shared that it was, subsequently, common to see the late Doddie Gill who led this system, on the Pentagon that fateful day.
“Little did I do know that later that evening laying in a hospital mattress, I would want their direct companies,” Hannon mentioned. “Smoke inhalation, dehydration, exhaustion and psychological fatigue despatched me to the ER that evening,” he continued.
Somewhat than keep within the hospital, Hannon expressed that it was vital for him to get residence and have some sense of normalcy for his kids.
“I didn’t signal out towards medical recommendation (AMA), however a situation of being launched from the hospital was that I couldn’t drive,” Hannon added, sharing that his finest buddy, George, drove him again to Charles City.
“Being there to stroll my youngsters to highschool on the twelfth was essential to me,” Hannon mentioned. Later that day, Hannon mentioned a buddy drove him again to Arlington to get his automobile.
“Extra time was spent on the Pentagon than at residence over the following two weeks,” Hannon shared, including that the outpouring of assist to him and his household from the folks in and round Charles City was ‘wonderful.’ He shared that pals and associates supplied to assist with chores, work and simply to lend an ear.
“Months later, whereas working for the Jefferson County Ambulance Authority, we frequently went out to lunch as a gaggle,” Hannon mentioned. “Standing outdoors in a car parking zone it was delivered to my consideration that when a aircraft would fly over, I might tune out of the dialog and watch he aircraft fly by,” he added, indicating that he was not even conscious of his actions.
“I’m grateful that my co-workers and pals have been snug sufficient to carry this subject to my consideration that day,” Hannon mentioned, including that he was capable of tackle the problem throughout remedy periods.
“My spouse endured numerous nights of me waking bolt upright in mattress sweating after one other nightmare from the occasions of 9/11,” Hannon instructed a room of attendees Sunday. “On Might 2, 2011, U.S. Special Forces killed Osama bin Laden. One shouldn’t benefit from the killing of one other human being; nonetheless, I’ve not had a nightmare about what occurred on 9/11 since that day,” Hannon admitted.
“These are just some examples of 1 individual’s blessings which have occurred on and since Sept. 11, 2001,” Hannon mentioned. “It’s simple to give attention to the damaging issues in life, however when you look onerous sufficient there are blessings taking place day by day,” Hannon went on, as he shared that in December, he’ll cling up his gear for the ultimate time after 44 years {of professional} and volunteer service. He thanked all who offered assist to him over all of these 12 months and for permitting him to share his private experiences on the commemoration ceremony.
“Hopefully it would assist others open up and share issues that may in flip assist another person,” Hannon mentioned.
Along with Hannon’s remarks, the ceremony supplied remembrance for all those that misplaced their lives on Sept. 11. Over 2,500 deaths have been reported between New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania that day. There have been 1000’s extra who’ve given their lives within the guaranteeing warfare on terror.
“This ceremony will not be about us,” Christie mentioned. “It’s concerning the victims and their family members,” he mentioned.
Additionally collaborating within the annual ceremony would be the Washington Excessive College Chamber Choir and the Jefferson Excessive College JROTC. Joe Kent will play the bagpipes as he has accomplished yearly. For the occasion.
Following the ceremony at Unbiased Fireplace Division, the American Legion Riders Chapter 71 and the Jackson-Perks Put up 71 hosted a Motorcade of Bikes honoring all native fireplace, recue and police departments. The experience traveled by way of the county, passing every of the hearth departments, earlier than gathering on the Charles City Police Division for a quick parade to the American Legion Put up Residence.
Funds raised from participation within the motorcade will likely be distributed evenly between the county’s seven volunteer fireplace departments, in keeping with officers with the American Legion.
