Video: Starkville Hosts 9-11 Ceremony

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Today the country paused to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Many of those killed in the terrorist attacks were first responders and today in Starkville, a ceremony and day of service was dedicated in their honor.

“We so rarely get a chance to say thank you. So I think it’s important to have events like this where we can come out in public and say thank you to all of them at one time,” says Starkville resident, Dianne Freeze.

That was the sentiment this September 11th as the country remembered that fateful day 12 years ago. Today’s ceremony not only honored the fallen heros but it also recognized it’s hometown heros. Paula Mabry was awarded for her work in the Starkville Arts community.

“I feel humbled that I was honored with this award amidst all of the people who have given their lives and are constantly on-call to show strength in dire situations,” says Mabry.

September 11th is also a National Day of Service. Volunteer Starkville and the Maroon Volunteer Center helped to coordinate today’s event.

As a volunteer and as a veteran, I think it’s important to remember and to actually give back to the community and celebrate those who gave their lives and actually gave their service and to remember those who lost their lives in service,” says Rod Holmes, a veteran and a Starkville volunteer.

The ceremony’s guest speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Brian S. Locke, a professor of Military Science at MSU. The event also included refreshments, face-painting for the children, and more opportunities to volunteer in the community.