Annual 9/11 Morning of Remembrance Ceremony

25 years. 25 years of life, love, kids, jobs, retirements, memories, and pain. Pain for things lost, loved on what's gone, and heroes who have stood up for country and community, and when called upon made the ultimate sacrifice. For the last quarter century, our mantra has been never forget. But I'm honestly becoming a little fearful that we are. I don't mean me. And if you're here this morning, I don't mean you, but I mean us collectively. I fear it's becoming in the rear view. I fear about what is being taught to our kids and what isn't being taught to them. I fear they're not learning the fact that there was that what was initially considered an accident turned out to be the acts of a group of gutless cowards whose goal it was to rip apart a nation. I fear they're not being told of the brave men and women who ran into the unknown rather than out of it without thinking they may have experienced their last kiss from family, their last baseball game, or the last cold beer with friends. I fear they may not appreciate and honor those heroes, the ones that not only played a crucial role 25 years ago, but the ones who have every single day since stepped up. To quiet these fears, it becomes our job to never forget. It's those those heroes we must show our gratitude. It's the families of those heroes whose name appear on the towers behind me that we must always remember, lift up, and always show our appreciation. In other words, never forget. Today we do that. We hope that you, the families of these heroes, and you are s who are standing here and sitting here serving today feel our gratitude. My name is Tyler Ryan. It is my honor for the 15th time to welcome you to the morning of remembrance, September 11th, 2026. Before we get going, I do want to acknowledge some dignitaries that are here with us this morning. Governor Henry McMaster, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenman, Richland County Sheriff Leon L, Columbia Police Chief Skip Hullbrook, Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins, South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd McAffrey, Director of Public Safety Rob Woods, Major General Daryl Hood, Commanding General to Fort Jackson, Senator Darlene Graham, Senator Jeff Zel, Representative Brand Brandon Guffy, Hannah Williams from Congressman Klyurn's office, Courtney Jackson, Senator from Tim Scott's office, and Brigavier General Chris Heman, director of joint staff, South Carolina National Guard. I also want to extend a welcome and thank you, which doesn't even begin to express a gratitude to the following names who were in New York that morning, who along with countless others ran towards the towers to help on that fateful day. Chris Bernard, Major Ed Lopes, Joel Weiss, and Guy Sanders. Thank you. Please welcome Colonel Kevin Thompson from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program to lead us in our invocation. Please join me in prayer. Dearly Father, we thank you for your goodness, your grace, and your mercy for what you've done, for what you're doing, and what you have planned. We're thankful, Lord, that we get to live in this nation, the home of the free, land of the brave. And we take this time and dedicate this ceremony, this service to you this morning. And we think back of all the many families that have been affected, every single one of us that you'll give them strength, courage, and perseverance as they move forward. And Father God, looking back and just realizing that what some thought they could accomplish has been turned around and has proven to be a nation of strength, courage, perseverance, fortitude, resilience in the truest sense of the word. So continue to have your hand upon us, Lord, as we move forward and live in this great land which you have allowed us to live in. We thank you for the men and women who did pay that ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget them and continue to remember their families as well. Thank you for your goodness, your grace, and your mercy. And everything that is said and done to hear be honoring and glorifying to you in Christ's name I pray. Amen. >> It was well over 15 years ago the planning of this memorial started. We were blessed with many, many partners to make that happen. of course, one major partner, the city of Columbia. You know, where the memorial actually sits. I do want to welcome to the stage the mayor of the host city, the honorable Daniel Rick. American Airlines flight 11 crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Welcome. Welcome to your capital city. 25 years ago. Today we had a tragedy that brought our country together. As we stand here today at this 911 memorial, we gather the day that changed our world forever. Today we honor nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were lost on excuse me September 11th 2001. Today we honor those fallen first responders especially remembering one of our just lost his life not too long ago ultimate sacrifice in the line of Lance Corpal. But we're remembering today those firefighters, those police officers, those paramedics, those innocent people who did incredible, extraordinary things, team members came, citizens who came across to help It came to be an act of terror. We came together not just to mourn the tragedy but to remember the strength of human spirit. As we remember all of those who sacrificed their lives, who gave up for others. We always have to remember earlier there's a fear that we'll forget. Based on what I see here today and what I've heard over the last few days, I don't think we South Carolina will ever forget. Their courage reminds us of the true meaning of duty, selflessness, and pure acts of love for their fellow man. I ask you all of those lives that we lost. Thank you, man. For the 15th time, we have gathered here to honor heroism, honor, duty, and sacrifice. There are so many people who have their fingerprints on this memorial, but the reality is we wouldn't be here but for the vision and resolve of one man. The man you can always count on to call you again and again until you answer your phone and ask and ask and ask again and again until you finally say, "Yes, I'll do it." He's a man that ensures that we will never forget. Retired United States Army captain and honorary FDNY battalion chief Dan Henigan. I'd like to invite Dan along with a woman we consider the face of our project, Don Yamashiro, whose connection to the attacks is direct. Her brother was lost in tower one. Dan and Don. >> Good morning. I have a speech, but I'm not going to use it. I wonder how this kid from the projects of Brooklyn is standing on a stage looking out. So many people that have helped me get to where we are today. I thank every one of you because I could never have been where I am today without you. It's just hard to believe. I used to be running away from people like you. And here I am. You're my friend. Let me tell you a little bit about the memorial. The 911 memorial was unveiled on 911 11. If you look at the towers behind us, the towers represent resolve. If you look at the top, you'll see that they're sheared off and they're at the bottom. So we never forget the fallen the beams of which I drove New York City out of the mind because I wanted two beans. I didn't want one be got two beans. So we never remind us that we're human United Nation of one resolve. Never forget the fallen United Nation of One. That's the story. Two things and the story is so long but two things stand out in my mind. 130 children from White High School went to New York and played at Carnegie Hall. But one other thing, the commissioner of New York cleared out his firehouse 101 where we had the fire truck that we donated to New York City and cleared out the firehouse and I got a phone call from the commissioner of New York City Police Department and they they shut down the Brooklyn battery tunnel and we moved four buses and 35 cars to Manhattan and the band marched in the street to the gates and the chaining fences looking into hole one and hole two and they played God Bless America in the hole. Unbelievable. At this time, this story is probably the best story. When we picked up the beams on September 7th and we brought it back here to South Carolina, I got a call from Chief Jenkins. Hey Dan, you got some beams from World Trade Center. I come and use them at Hyatt Park in Columbia. I said, "Sure." So, Mike Sutterfield and I showed up that morning on 911 and put the beams on a couple chairs and uh I got a tap on my shoulder and I turned around and this is what I heard. Sir, my name is Don Namashiro. I lost my brother in tower one. This is my family behind me. I can't afford to go to New York every year. Thank you for bringing my brother to me in South Carolina. I'd like to introduce introduce you to my friend Don. Thank you very much. Good morning. It is an honor to welcome you all to our morning of remembrance on this special day. It's the 25th anniversary of 911. Our 911 remeance foundation of South Carolina has been gathering for 15 years right here at the spot. will be here next year and for many more years to come. It is where I choose to be on my 911s, where you people choose to gather, reflect, and honor what happened on 911 and beyond. Today marks 25 years. 25 years of the loss of 2,977 souls. They all deserved to live another day. My brother was was one of those souls. He worked in the north tower of the World Trade Center. He worked for Caner Fitzgerald on the 103rd floor. He loved his job of working on computers. His job was to help set up the new employees with their computers. He also had a basement full of computers he was fixing for friends. So, his job was also one of his hobbies. I had a hard time realizing had that morning long ago. My mind had a hard time putting two and two together, realizing that Brian was in the tower as they fell. It took weeks to understand that Brian wasn't coming home to his wife, two children. His son was only 3 years old. His daughter was just 8 weeks old. It wasn't until that first year anniversary when we went down to ground. It was me, my husband and daughter, my sister-in-law, her sister, and my stepmother. After we said our goodbyes, my husband grabbed a handful of the rocks at our feet. That was all I had from ground zero to remind me of Brian. Having said our goodbyes on 911 2002, I have not been back to New York City on the anniversary of 911. I've been back since, but definitely not on 911. Since my home is and has been in Columbia since I graduated from University of South Carolina, it is where I lost my brother. It just feels right for me to be with you all here today. It comes full circle to me coming together in support to remember and honor those who lost their lives on 2011. I'm sorry, September 11, 2001 and since then in the line of duty means so much to me. It helps me to heal the pieces of my heart that have been shattered. Those 2,977 folks we lost on 911 and the thousand fighting the global war on terrorism and those killed from 911 related illnesses did not deserve this. Americans did not deserve this. People matter. No one should be forgotten and they deserve justice. We deserve justice. Brian didn't deserve this. He was just going to work to support his family. Something so ordinary and something we all do every day. Today is a great day to reflect, honor, and remember those who sacrificed so much. We must never forget. And in that vein, I'm going to go ahead and show you what 2977 looks like. This is my brother's picture. This shows everyone that was killed on 911, 2020. God bless you and thank you again. Thank you. I'd ask you to please stand if you can while Lexington County Fire Service Captain Steven Livingston leads us in our pledge of allegiance. to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all. Please remain standing while I prowl from the root doctors performs our national anthem. Can you see by the dawn early light so proud we held at the twilight lasting broad stripes and bright stars through the ramparts we watched were so dreams bursting proof. through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say that star spangled yet of the free and the And once again, please remain standing for the presentation of the colors. That day that started as an imperfect day, of course, a couple of hours changed. But we knew we had to go on and we did. I'd like to invite one of the 911 Remembrance Foundation members, Gloria Stokes. We'll be reading from September 12th. We knew everything would be all right. Good morning. This book was written 25 years ago by a group of first graders from H Byron Masterson Elementary School in Pennet, Missouri. September 12th was a new day. We knew everything would be all right. The sun came up. The birds to sing again. We came to school the same way. We knew everything would be all right when our teacher was smiling at the door. We said like always, we sang the national anthem very loudly. Our teacher sat and read us lots of good books. We had recess again. 2 plus two still added up to four. Our thought for the day became America United. We saw lots of flags. Red, white, and blue. Suddenly, >> United Airlines flight 175 strikes the south tower of the World Trade Center. >> Suddenly, she became everyone's favorite color. And on television, we heard our president tell us that everything would be okay. Our parents talked to us about the bad things that happened the day before. But we knew we would be all right because our parents said that they loved us and the stars and the moon came out and America went to sleep. And the next morning, the sun came up. And in that message of hope, you know that it is not the end. Thank you very much. Thank you, Lori, and team. This time, I'd like to invite the senior governor of this amazing state of South Carolina and proudly called home for 25 years, myself, Governor Henry McMaster. But it's good to be here again. It's a dangerous world as we know. I think it's gotten more dangerous since now because it's a lot easier for those people to reach. So that's one reason we have to remember. I want to thank Dan Hen again. We all know that ours is a unique great country. You can't do what we're doing right now anyway else with the insuranceances that we have. No country is as healthy. The future is not as bright. People are not as happy. But we must be ever vigilant. And we can never forget. It took a lot to get us to where we are today. There's more blood in the ground in South Carolina than any other of the states colonies. I didn't know till recently the real numbers of that. Did anybody know that over 30% of deaths and casualties in the Revolutionary War South Carolina? Did anybody remember that it was after Kings Mountain and then cow pants the battles which precedes the battle of Cam where we lost over a thousand young men as young as 14 years old. They've never seen bandets and red coats. They didn't know how to fight that we lost a lot. But after those two battles, Kings Mountain and Calvin, General Corn Wallace said, "We can't beat these people." And that's when he realized that the southern campaign was in dis. So on our license tag, we say the revolutionary won here. That is a fact. We need to be proud of our people. Nobody's been born. But a lot of people don't know these things. They don't know how hard it was to get it. What what it takes to maintain what we have. Men and women in uniform, dude. Some of you may remember the 1968 big hit, The Tam. They were singing, "Be young, be foolish, be happy." See some smiles. There's a big beep song. Well, I watch sometimes on Fox. They have show where they go down to the beach and they ask the young people who are being young, foolish and happy questions and they're easy questions. I saw something the other day. As they say that is the sound of freedom like I went back and checked out the tam be young be foolish be happy and I then saw these young people on the They were being young and foolish and happy and they asked one of them who was a brightl looking young woman who was the first president of the United States. He thought for a minute and said Bill Clinton. Most of us know that he was president but he was not the first and asked asked a young man you had a $20 bill had a $100 bill and I wanted to swap that for a number of $20 bills. How many $20 bills will it take? His answer, I don't know. I'm not good at math. I remember they had a survey done somewhere where they asked a bunch of I think it was high school graduates, name one justice, if you can of the US Supreme Court. The answer, Judge Judy. Most of us here know Judge Judy is not on the But they didn't know those things because they hadn't learned them. And that is one reason we build these monuments of steel, glass, stone, and paper, and on film so people can live it as best they can. So they can walk by those memorials and say, "Why is that here? What did this person do?" and they will inquire and perhaps learn about the history of our great state and the history of our great country. At some point, everyone, each of us must pass that on to the next generation so they will understand how precious this freedom that we have is and how valuable the service of those who wear the uniform is all the rest of us who perhaps did. I'll finish with one scene. We remember things that some folks say we remember what we see. I remember In grammar school, we had show and tell and show and tell. We saw it and learned it. If we see these movies and a lot of the scenes stick with us because they mean something. But one that's appropriate today, I believe, is the one from a movie called a few good men. You remember Jack Nicholson was general student Colonel Jessup and his Tom Cruz playing the smart editor and lieutenant commander excuse me command lieutenant he and his superior was more lieutenant commander Gallow and he was young foolish and he was a smart until finally reality set as he was asking the Lieutenant Commander Moore, "Why do you respect these two Marines, why do you want to work so hard?" She said, "Because they stand on a wall and they say nothing's going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch." And that's what every man and woman among us today says every day for the rest of us. So that's why we're here. We want to honor those who said that. We want to honor those who are saying that today. Everyone that went into that building, everyone that responded said that. Not on my part. We will keep the people safe. So ladies and gentlemen, this is important that we do this every year. 2550 and keep on we won't be here. Those of us who were alive and saw that happen won't be here. But we must pass that message on. That is the strength of our country. We in this we in this country must be strong because we need to remember when we remember we will be strong. God bless you. Thank you, Governor. At this time, I'd like to invite retired United States Army Major David Kerr, who has continued his service after retiring by serving as a board member for the 911 Remembrance Foundation. David, reflection. And I want to thank our foundation for allowing me to do the board reflection this year. Today is about our first responders and military service members who give and sacrifice so much every day. These are men and women, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, great Americans who are part of a great and supportive community. The memorial that stands in front of you did not start here and it did not arrive here by chance or by accident. It is a result of years of dedication, service, and support. It exists because of this community, this community here today. Um, it's been through donations, through hard work, and through a shared commitment to make sure that the sacrifices of our heroes never go unnoticed or are never forgotten. That is what has made this place special. Special to this community and special to our foundation. On this memorial are the names of brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community and our country. Until today there were 67 names. Today we add the 68 with trooper first class Ricks who will be forever enshrined in our hearts and on this granite behind me. That number is more than a number, though. Every name represents a life well-lived, a story, a family, friends, brothers and sisters who serve beside them, and a community that will remember them and for their sacrifice. The community we live in is about more than just where we live. It's about the people who stand beside us, who answer the call when others are in need, and who are willing to put service before self. Our first responders run toward danger when others are running away. Our mil military service members stand watch at home and abroad defending the freedoms and way of life that we sometimes take for granted. However, service comes with sacrifices that aren't always visible. The long nights away from their families, the unseen scars this service can leave in a heart or in a mind. and the dangers they willingly accept on behalf of the people they serve every single day and who may never be able to say thank you. And behind every one of them is a family that serves and sacrifices right alongside them. Today we recognize those sacrifices. We honor those who continue to serve and those who have completed their service and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice never making it home. Today is about our community. It's about neighbors helping neighbors. It's about showing up when someone needs us. It's about understanding the strength of a community isn't measured by the buildings or what we own. It is measured by its people, by how we take care of one another. And 25 years after the attacks of 911, this memorial standing behind us is proof of this community. It is proof that this community is resilient. It is proof that we remember. It is proof that this community honors service every day and it is a promise that the names engraved here and the sacrifices they represent will never be forgotten. The spirit of service, sacrifice, and commitment is what makes our community special. And it and it is what makes this country great. To every first responder, service member, veteran, family member, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your courage. And most of all, thank you for your service to us. May we never take your service for granted. And may we always be a community worthy of your sacrifice. Thank you. Folks, for each name on this wall, there are family members who were left here to carry on a name and a memory. I'd like to welcome all of the families of these heroes. Allow me on behalf of all of us to thank you for your sacrifice. Make no mistake, service is a sacrifice that's made every day. And thankfully, it's not every day that the ultimate price is paid. But when it is, the reality of the next day and what the the loved ones left behind have to face becomes real. Please welcome representing our gold and blue star family members, the mother of first lieutenant Ryan Raw, who was killed in action while serving in the South Carolina National Guard, Mrs. Diane R. What a wonderful and important day to be here surrounded by some of the greatest citizens of South Carolina. We are here to remember and to pay respects to those who died on 911 2001 25 years ago. We promised that we would never forget those who lost their lives, nor those who rushed in to save them, but for their efforts were taken as well. The pain, the terror, and the tremendous loss of so many Americans will not be forgotten, nor will the incredible displays of courage by the first responders that day. In addition, many South Carolinians went on to lose a loved one as a direct result of the horrific actions of that day. Their loved ones served in our country's military and they gave their lives to preserve our freedoms and keep our future terrorist attacks at bay. On behalf of Gold Star mothers and families, I would like to thank each of you for helping to ease our grief by showing honor and respect for our loved ones while we remember those who initially lost their lives that day. To each of our first responders that encircle this beautiful memorial today, you make our world a better place as you honor your responsibility to protect and care for us every day. Please know that we appreciate you and we support you. Finally, to my brothers or excuse me, finally to my buddies, the Patriot Guard Riders, thank you for always being at every ceremony and event to show the ultimate respect for our military and our first responders. We sure do love you. Again, the families of the fallen, thank you for remembering our loved ones in such a special way. May God continue to bless each of you as he blesses our country. Our next speaker is no stranger to mission service leadership or South Carolina for that matter. After over three decades of service to his country as a combat entry in infantry men. I think that'd be easier to say. His last tour was as a 24th post command sergeant major at Fort Jackson. Like so many who serve and lead, his service certainly does not end with a retirement party. He's hardly retired. He continues to serve the men and women who have served, helping to create the Warrior Path program at the Big Red Barn. Please welcome retired Command Sergeant Major Lamont Christian. I want to say good morning to you. I'm humbled to stand here simply because just a guy from New York. The day that I met Dan Hinigan. I was the comedon of the Army Drill Sergeant Academy. He was sitting in my conference room talking to one of my drill sergeant instructors. Typically, I had heed the responsibility of taking charge of a mission to those quite capable of it and was going to walk past that conference room, continue my mission. I looked inside and something told me to go inside and speak to this person out of respect and consideration. As I walked in, I looked at Dan and I said, "Good morning. How are you?" He said, "How you doing?" and we went down memory lane of our times living in New York. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow brothers, sisters in arms, and those in uniform as well as out of uniform and behind the back, our first responders. As we look around, you see in front of you the eel beans as they rise to the sky. And for 25 years, these could be seen as a scar, 25 years of pain. But I see it as a torch, a torch that we as a nation have continued to carry. Stan Dan Higan stood up and formed the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina because he understood he understood the mission. the mission that we keep our promise. Our promise to our Americans warfighters, our firefighters, our police and EMS, those who sacrifice each and every day. A promise was made. It will always be kept. But we know this moment here today marks a 25-y year milestone. And that milestone is connected to an unyielding an absolute war cry to remember and fulfill our promises to never never forget. It's not just a slogan. It's not just a phrase. It's because in spite of our differences, it's a commitment to each other. It's a commitment to not let time erode how heavy this nation's sacrifice actually is. This moment in time is significant because we have an entire generation at the 25 year mark who are in their youngest time of their lives. Tuesday morning in 2001 was a day that only exists in their minds as the way December 7th existed in mine. And yet I executed my mission alongside my other fellow comrades. And yet our officers patrolled the streets of our cities and homes. And even though we may not have been alive on those days that changed our lives, we stand committed and we keep our promise. We keep this promise by telling our stories. We remember the 2,977 lives. Those lives that were taken from us and the many other lives since then. In our fight against evil in this world, we continue to focus on completing our mission and keeping our promise not only abroad but also here at home. And when we look at the granite wall with the names and the images of those who have sacrificed, we read those names and read them aloud to continue to keep our promise. Our lives are better for those sacrifices. And so this morning, our hearts may be heavy at times, but as we pay this special tribute and recognize even those that we have recently lost, that those sacrifices were not will not be in vain. Because one who promises never hesitates, nor do they forget. So Dan, to you and the entire board of the 911 Remembrance Foundation, I want to say thank you. Thank you for ensuring that Colombia, the Midlands, South Carolina, and our nation remains a beacon, which is a beacon of patriotism for others to emulate. It is through your dedication to tunnel the tower runs the scholarships and veteran homes as well as the continued support of all of you that are here today that you all promise to my gold star families and blue star families. These families have fallen. We love you. We owe you a debt. We owe you a debt that as a society, we ask you to never be paid. This morning I ask that when you hear the bells ring, listen to the echo after the initial date. That is the sound of resolve. That is the sound of sacrifice. That is the sound of a promise. Our mission remains unchanged. Stand easy. Stand fast. I ask that you look the person to your left or right, look them in their eye, and promise, promise to honor our fallen. But I ask that you promise to live your life, the life that you deserve, the life you get to live. because of the sacrifices. May our God bless our first responders, our military at a forward may protect it. May our God bless and continue to watch over the United States of America. my friend. Folks, I wish I could stand here in front of you and tell you that we'll never have to place another name on these towers, but we know that's simply not reality. As long as there are bad actors in this world, there'll be those who make it their mission to neutralize them, protect our country and communities. And in carrying out that mission, there can always be the potential for the ultimate sacrifice. As we prepare to honor these brave men and women with world call of heroes, I want to invite someone who knows that mission all too well. Colonel CN Williamson from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Good morning everyone. everyone that's here this morning on behalf of our director director Bob Woods of the South public and on behalf of the men and women of the South Island we stand before you today first class Dennis Richarded husband son grandson and south army patrol entered into eternal arrest on August 13th 2025 4 days after being hit by a vehicle while performing Traffic Ricks was assigned to South Carolina Highway Patrol 7 post where he patrolled the highways of Orangeburg and Cal counties. A native of Lexington County. He began his career with the highway patrol in 2023. Dennis believed wearing the uniform was called not just simply a career. He believed being a true man, living with integrity, serving the community in its most difficult moments and leading with responsibility and compassion. His colleagues admired him and his family cherished the love and devotion he gave so freely. He is survived by his long and loving wife, Mr. Jade, who is here with us today, and his mother, Dr. Tracy Brown, Dr. Ohio. He's also survived by host of other family members and friends. We're glad to have them here today. First class Dennis Rich will forever be remembered as a man of honor and integrity. A guardian of South Carolina highways and a loving husband, son, and friend whose pure heart and jealousy left an indelible mark. group of first class Dennis Rick born November 9th 1993 made the ultimate sacrifice August 13th 2025 we will never thank you these towers bear the name of first responders, military service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, is a list that has grown over the last year. And although we don't want to add a single more name, we know that's simply not true. There always will be heroes who answer the call so that others may remain safe. At this time, our honor guard made up of military service members, first responders, ROC, led by commander of troops, retired first sergeant David Kelly, United States Marine Corps. Welcome them for roll call of heroes. Left, left, left, right. Left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right, left, left. I know. I hope I face roll call of fallen heroes. Sound off. Captain Daniel G. McCullum, United States Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Patrick L. Griffin Jr. United States Air Force Private First Class Warren J. Mack, United States Army Staff Sergeant Anthony O. Thompson, United States Army. Narcotics Officer Donnie R. Washington, Richmond County Sheriff's Department. Private First Class Aldron Adams, South Carolina Air National Guard. Specialist Darius T. Jennings, United States Army. Master Sergeant Timothy Tony, United States Marine Corps. Specialist Thomas E. Kaufman, United States Army Reserves. Captain James E. Meyers, Lawrenburg Department of Public Safety. Fire Officer Timmy Young, Columbia Fire Department. Specialist Katrina Bell Johnson, United States Army. Specialist Jason L. Moski, United States Army. Lance Corpal Joshua L. Torrren, United States Marine Corp. Deputy Byron Keith Cannon, Richland County Sheriff's Department. Firefighter Jeffrey B. Chavis, Lexington County Fire Service. Lance Corporal Jonathan W. Parker, South Carolina Highway Patrol. Sergeant Anthony G. Jones, United States Army. Sergeant A. Joseph Derek, South Carolina Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant J. Tyrrona Colado, United States Marine Corps. First Lieutenant Elmar L. Fitzgerald, United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Woodford Woody King, Richland County EMS. Corporal David G. Weismorts, United States Marine Corp. Sergeant Jason L. Shepard, Aken County Sheriff's Office. Corporal Matthew B. Dylan, United States Marine Corps. Paramedic Elbert T. Gunter, Senior, Williamson Rescue Squad. Sergeant Sean M. Duncan, United States Army. BFC Anthony J. White, United States Army. Firefighter Jeffrey Schwarz, Wagner Fire Department. Deputy Daryl K. Lane, Richland County Sheriff's Department. Flight 77 crashed in the Pentagon. Lance Corpal James D. Haynes II South Carolina patrol deputy William Howell Jr. Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Master Sergeant Danny E. Haven, United States Army. Chaplain We Jean Franklin, Sumpter Fire Department. Lance Corporal Mills Palmer Bigum, United States Marine Corps. Specialist Abraham S. Wheeler III, United States Army. Specialist Demetrius L. Boyd, United States Army. Lance Corpal Jonathan S. Nash, South Carolina Highway Patrol. Private First Class Robert E. Foster, Jr., US Army. Sergeant, excuse me, Staff Sergeant Willie James Harley Jr., South Carolina Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant Andrew S. Buckus, United States Air Force. Firefighter Chance H. Zil, Columbia Fire Department. Corporal Charles R. Nesbbit, Jr., Sumpter Fire Department. Sergeant Lean D. Evans, United States Army. PFC Kalin C. Johnson, United States Army. Specialist Cory Allen Ho, South Carolina Army National Guard. Master Public Safety Officer E. Scott Richardson. Aken Department of Public Safety. Master Corporal Sandra E. Rogers, Aken, Department of Public Safety. Sergeant John J. D. Meadow. The second South Carolina Army National Guard. First Lieutenant Ryan D. All South Carolina Army National Guard Deputy Robert L. Evans Hershaw County Sheriff's Office Captain James Edward Chapen III, United States Army. Firefighter Tyron Weston, Columbia Fire Department. Officer Gregory Thomas Alia, Forest Acres Police Department. Officer Stacy Lin Casease, Columbia Police Department. Corporal Dale Shannon Halman, Saludi County Sheriff's Office. Fire engineer Paul Quadabon, Lexington County Fire Service. Corporal Andrew Gillette, Sumpter County Sheriff's Department. Officer Roy Andrew Drew Bar, Jr., Casey Police Department. Specialist Jason R. Heaven, South Carolina Army National Guard. Master Police Officer Tyrell Owens Riley, Columbia Police Department. Lieutenant Michael Wood, Newberry Police Department. James M. Mueller, Irma Fire Department. Master Police Officer Robert John Hall, Columbia Police Department. Deputy Jacob Salin, Richland County Sheriff's Department. Chief Chad Sasher, Circle Fire Department. Firefighter Landon Bodie, Circle Fire Department. Trooper First Class Dennis D. Bricks, South Carolina Highway Patrol. Sadly, the reminder of how dangerous this world is and that there are heroes who will answer the call has been all too recently reminded of for the loss of Lexington County Sheriff Master Deputy Julian Olsen and Columbia Police Lance Corporal Christopher D. Long. Their names yet do not appear on this wall, but for their duty, service, and sacrifice will always be remembered, and they will be honored a year from today. Master Deputy Jillian Olson, Lexington County Sheriff's Department. Lance Corporal Christopher D. Long, Columbia Police Department. These men and women, these heroes, did what those who don't understand service and sacrifice would never do. When the call came, they answered it. At this time, I'd like to welcome the family of highway patrol trooper first class RX and the highway patrol for the presentation of the wreath. And the Rick's family and Iowa patrol will be receiving a plaque with his likeness as it will appear on the memorial. Heat. Heat. Okay. Oh yeah. We have a presentation by the Baseburg Leville High School Choir led by Cheryl Feld. Let us see for our heroes. away Jesus. Honor all the glory. Blessing with those who are ashamed of tears in their freedom and their fears. Sing a song around her. Sing from sea to shining sea. As the faithful sang before you. Sing a song of Let us sing for handsome heroes. Those who are freed in Bible purpose. All the one and one for all. We will sing and not be silence. We will keep our voices strong for as long as we keep singing. Freedom cry will still sing a song for unsung heroes. Sing from sea to shining sea as the faithless sang before you. Sing the song of liberty. Sing the song of liberty. Heat. Heat. inside. We all sing a song. Sing a song. Mercy. Ladies and gentlemen and distinguished guest, please rise for the plane of tax. That's it. Freeze it. Oh my god. Oh no. Except you, Colonel Curry, I'd like to invite retired Colonel Craig Curry to lead us in her benediction. Let us pray. Lord, we're thankful for those heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect America and its citizens. Help us to remember 911 all year round and those who have died since then over the last 25 years. Remembering their service as they died protecting people, helping our citizens, and defending our country. We're thankful for South Carolina families whose loved ones died defending America and people. May you lift them up today and all year, replacing harsh memories of loss with encouraging remembrances. Thank you to those who serve us every day, police, firefighters, EMS, the military, and all other first responders who keep us safe. May you continue to protect them as they protect us. Thank you for today's ceremony and help us never to forget as we ask this in your holy and precious name. Amen. Like to invite Deputy George Godfrey from the Richland County Sheriff's Department to perform. God listen I love and beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above. From the mountains to the prair to the ocean like with home. God bless America. My home sweet home. God bless America. My home sweet home. From the mountains to the prairies to the ocean, white with God bless America, my home sweet home. God bless America, my home. Sweet home. I'd like to invite board member Jared Evans and the Satchers to the stage for a scholarship presentation along with Doug Camp from the Camp Foundation and Will and Summer Satcher from the Satch Foundation. Well, good morning. Thank you all for being here with us today. You know, while we all remember exactly where we were on this today 25 years ago, our foundation recognized almost 10 years ago that we would have an entire generation of future leaders who would have no personal memory of 911. And as a result, we created a scholarship program where we award $2,000 scholarships to the children of our local heroes. And what I'd like to do right now is I'd like to share who our four recipients are this year and read two small excerpts from the essays they submitted in their scholarship application. First we have Claire Littleton whose father is a police officer with the Aony County Sheriff's Office. Carly Dennis whose father is a fire chief of Simmonsville Fire Department. Jolie Melo, whose father is a firefighter with Alo Palms Fire Department, and Maya Robertson, whose father, after serving 20 plus years in the United States Army, continued his service with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. And this uh this first excerpt I'm going to read is from Carly Dennis. She says, "Perhaps the most impactful lesson I've learned is the true meaning of sacrifice. My dad has missed countless personal moments so that others could have a second chance, a safer home, or even their lives. His willingness to put others before himself has shown me that sacrifice is not about loss, but about purpose. It is about choosing to serve something greater than yourself, even when it is difficult. This perspective has shaped my values and future goals. And I've developed a strong sense of empathy and desire to contribute meaningful meaningfully to my community. And I know that the lessons I've learned, dedication, resilience, selflessness will guide me in every path I take in my life. This second excerpt is from Maya Robertson. My father's sacrifice has given me a perspective that many of my peers don't have. I understand that the freedoms and safety we enjoy are bought and paid for by people like him. People who are willing to miss birthdays, holidays, band concerts, and even sleep to ensure the community remains safe. He is my hero, not because of a title, but because he spent his life making sure the path was safe for the rest of us to follow. Because of him, my goal is to live my life with the same sense of duty, looking for ways to serve my community just as he has served his country. I wanted to share those with you and our foundation thought that was very important and I wish I could read the entire essay um because when we are going through this application process, these essays highlight and speak to the impact that their parents services had on them and their plan to pay it forward moving forward. So, I wanted to share that with you. I also wanted to share that reality is we couldn't have awarded more than 24 scholarships to close to $42,000 if it wasn't for the support of the community. So, thank you Heat. HEAT. Thank you guys. I said earlier I was concerned that we were starting to forget and I feared we might drop the ball thinking about how quickly 25 years has already went by. I'll tell you though after spending the last couple of hours with you families and heroes first responders who are on the ground on that day in New York City feel a lot better. A life of service has never been a safe one. Ask a law man from Middle West, soldier from the revolution, civil war, Vietnam, Afghanistan, fill in the blank. But in recent years, it seems like bad guys have been emboldened to do worse things. Is it because there's a relative lack of fear from some sort of punishment or accountability? Whatever the reason, it often forces one of our heroes to put themselves into added danger that shouldn't have put been put in in the first place. Will we ever get back to a place of civil communication where even if we disagree, a civil discourse can happen rather than something that disintegrates into violence. But I think until then, it's my duty, it's our duty to ensure that heroes, the ones on these towers, the family members who represent them, the ones who are in this audience and beyond, we need to make sure they know we will never forget. We can collectively count on their consistency to mission, God, country, and community. And the way we say thank you is our consistency, supporting our brave men and women, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The consistency is never forgetting these heroes. My name is Tyler Ryan. Thank you for joining us this morning. United Airlines flight 93 crashes into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A fifth bell this year to remember those who have died from 911 related illnesses since 911 and the volunteers who answered the call on that day. 9,000 plus have died from 911 related illnesses and we remember them today. Thank you everybody.