Macon-Bibb remembers September 11th attacks

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The events of September 11th, 2001 held nearly everyone’s attention Thursday.

Those who wanted to honor the affected held memorials across the nation.

In Macon, it wasn’t any different.

“As a community, we’ve made a promise, that we will never forget,” said Macon-Bibb Fire Chief Marvin Riggins.

There are certainly differences between that day in 2001 and now in 2014.

“They shut all the airspace down,” said attendee Beverly Olson. “So we all had to get home a different way.”

Thirteen years later, a peaceful remembrance of the New York City tragedy took place in Macon.

“I think we can’t do enough” said Olson. “I think remembering the people who have given their lives–the fire, the police in New York.”

A peace Beverly Olson sees on this day, but knows it could be worse.

“We see that in Macon, Georgia,” said Olson. “I wonder how they’re feeling in New York City. They don’t forget. They’ve had loved ones die.”

And to honor both those who died and their families, more than 100 people met at Public Safety Memorial Park downtown.

“The least that we can do is to make sure that we keep our promise to them and to our country that we will never forget,” said Riggins. “And on this morning, that we will always, across this country, we will slow down and stop for a moment to remember those who have given so much.”

The Mayor, the Sheriff and the Fire Chief laid a wreath down in memory of the victims of 9/11.

“I’m certain that it means a great deal to this community because they did come out in support of this,” said Riggins. “And they took the time out of their busy schedule to slow down to remember so much that has been given so that we can enjoy this great country of ours.”

They slow down to remember just how much has changed because of the lives lost that day.

Commissioner Larry Schlesinger and many Bibb County deputies and firemen were also in attendance.