ROCKINGHAM: On September 11, 2001, Kimberly Morton was in the first grade.
Morton talked about that terrible day and what it means to her while leading the county’s yearly 9/11 memorial service and walk on Wednesday. She is now an engineer with the Rockingham Fire Department.
Morton said, “The morning lessons stopped when another teacher walked in and turned on the TV. That’s when I heard the phrase ‘terrorist attack.'”
“From what I know about that experience, I can say that it is truly inspiring and takes a certain kind of understanding to do something heroic and selfless for a job, for volunteer work, or for something you’re passionate about,” Morton said. “When the tones drop, many first responders don’t know what call they will get.”
She said, “There are no words to describe the thoughts of those responding to the World Trade Center that morning.” She also said that 343 firefighters in New York didn’t know what they would find. “Even so, it didn’t stop them from putting on their gear, getting what they needed, and going into the World Trade Center.”
Every year, people walk from the old courtroom to Walmart to remember the 2,200 steps of the World Trade Center.
Morton said, “We’ll be walking for their bravery, strength, and most of all, their devotion to the service.”
The Hoffman, Northside, and Cordova fire companies, as well as the Rockingham police department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Richmond County Rescue Squad, all took part in the service on Wednesday.
“Everyone in this group is a brother, no matter their name, background, or badge.” “We stand together when the time comes,” Morton said. “Today, we stand together with pride to remember our brothers and sisters who died on September 11, 2001, 23 years ago.”
Sheriff Mark Gulledge, Rockingham Mayor John Hutchinson, and RFD Chaplain Ricky Parker all spoke at the service before the walk.