Walker County will gather Friday morning to honor and remember the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The September 11 Memorial Service will begin at 8:40 a.m. Friday, September 11, at the Walker County Courthouse, located at 103 South Duke Street in LaFayette.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson will open the ceremony with a welcome, followed by the presentation of colors by the LaFayette High School JROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the LaFayette Fire Department. Vince Stalling will perform the National Anthem.
The ceremony will also include the ringing of the bell by Walker County Fire Rescue, the lowering of the flag by the LaFayette High School JROTC and the sounding of taps by a Ridgeland High School band member.
Walker County Chairwoman Angie Teems is scheduled to present a proclamation at 8:49 a.m., followed by a performance of “God Bless America” by the LaFayette High School Chorus.
Organizers have announced a change to the ceremony’s guest speaker. Congressman Clay Fuller was originally scheduled to speak but will be unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict. Walker County Commissioner Brian Hart, a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Army, will serve as the guest speaker instead. Hart is scheduled to speak at approximately 8:54 a.m.
The program will continue with another ringing of the bell by Walker County Fire Rescue and a performance of “Imagine” by the LaFayette High School Chorus. Terry Roberson will deliver the closing prayer.
The ceremony is expected to conclude at approximately 9:10 a.m.
Friday’s observance comes 25 years after the September 11 attacks and will give the Walker County community an opportunity to honor the victims, first responders, service members and others whose lives were forever changed by the events of that day.