Remembrances Across Upstate South Carolina Mark 22nd Anniversary of September 11
On a chilly Wednesday morning, September 11, residents of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Clemson gathered to pay tribute to the lives lost and heroes made on that fateful day in 2001. It was a day filled with solemnity, reflection, and a sense of community, as nearly 50 people convened at the Boiling Springs Fire District Station Headquarters in Greenville for a meaningful commemoration.
Heartfelt Gatherings in Greenville
“Every year, we memorialize the events of 9/11/2001 because we feel like that’s important because it’s foundational to who we are as Americans, but also who we are as the American Fire Service,” shared Boiling Springs Fire Chief Steve Graham. The chief expressed his feelings about the dwindling crowds over the years, noting how it is crucial to educate younger firefighters, some of whom weren’t even born during the attacks. “It’s a little heart-wrenching,” he said, “but it’s part of our mission to never forget those heroes and those who lost their lives.”
The fire station is home to a beautiful 9/11 memorial that was dedicated back in 2012, with the community coming together to raise an impressive $110,000 to create a lasting tribute. This gathering wasn’t just an event; it was a heartfelt reminder of resilience and remembrance.
Clemson University Steps Up
Meanwhile, at Clemson University, students, faculty, and staff were all hands on deck to remember the first responders by participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. It’s hard not to feel the emotion in the air as participants climbed stairs at the stadium, collectively honoring those who bravely ascended into danger on that day 23 years ago. As a participant, Zhe Fan Little of Friends of the Highlanders from Greer said, “We climb because they climbed.” He also reminded those present that this day is about remembering all the heroes who lost their lives, encompassing not just the Twin Towers but also their colleagues at the Pentagon.
Clemson’s Mayor Robert Halfacre joined in as well, stating, “Today is about remembering all the heroes who lost their lives, the sacrifices that so many people made.” High school JROTC members from Pendleton and Walhalla also joined in the commemoration, a touching reminder of how the next generation is being educated about those sacrifices. Payton Taylor, an eager Air Force JROTC senior, shared how learning about the events motivates him to be better and to inspire others in the fire service.
To add to the gravity of the event, Scott Cook from the Military and Veteran Engagement program led a moving ceremony, highlighting different significant moments from that day over the stadium speakers. The day’s solemn atmosphere peaked at 10:28 a.m. with the announcement of the North Tower’s collapse, followed by a heartfelt 21-gun salute from the Clemson University Pershing Rifles Company C-4.
Spartanburg Honors the Fallen
In Spartanburg, quite a community gathering took place at the City of Spartanburg Fire Department, where commemorations started at 8:30 a.m. and continued until 9:11 a.m. This event paid tribute to the more than 400 responders who lost their lives on that tragic day. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and remembrance, highlighted by special guest Mark Giannini, a retired FDNY member who bravely responded on 9/11. “Anytime I get a chance to speak about the memory of 9/11, I do it,” he said, emphasizing the unity that arose from such a dark day.
Mark reflected on the incredible way people came together during that time, stating, “The way the community came together, supporting one another during that time, as sad as the day was, it was a beautiful thing to see.” Indeed, those words resonate deeply in the hearts of many, reminding us of the strength and resilience of community in times of crisis.
As the day wrapped up, the gatherings across Upstate South Carolina left a lasting impression, reminding everyone of the tremendous sacrifices made by so many individuals. It’s moments like these that ensure that we all remember those heroes, their bravery, and their legacy.
