Cherokee County to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Memorial Service

Emergency vehicle procession through Centre will precede an 8:46 a.m. ceremony at the Cherokee County Courthouse

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | Wednesday, September 9, 2026

CENTRE, Ala. — Cherokee County residents, first responders and local officials will gather Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The memorial service will honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, along with the first responders and civilians whose bravery and sacrifice became enduring symbols of that tragic day.

According to an announcement from the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, the local observance will begin with a procession of emergency vehicles through Centre, followed by a ceremony at the Cherokee County Courthouse.

Emergency vehicles will begin staging at Cherokee Plaza at 7:30 a.m. The procession is scheduled to depart at approximately 8:15 a.m. and travel through Centre to the courthouse.

The memorial ceremony will begin at 8:46 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower on September 11, 2001.

David Glenn, president of the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, will welcome those attending.

The Cherokee County Fire Association Honor Guard and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will present the colors, followed by Centre resident Tony O’Neal performing the national anthem.

Centre Fire Chief Robert Pace will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence will be observed before the Rev. Jay Penton of Slackland Baptist Church delivers the opening prayer.

Cherokee County Probate Judge and Commission Chairman Tim Burgess and Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Director Shawn Rogers are scheduled to deliver remarks. The program will also include remarks from a special guest speaker.

Near the conclusion of the ceremony, McCord’s Fire Department Chief Rich Lindsey will present “The Last Alarm,” a solemn tribute honoring firefighters and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Organizers are encouraging the public to attend and stand alongside Cherokee County’s first responders during the anniversary observance.

The service will recognize firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, military members and others who have answered the call to serve.

Above all, the community will gather to remember those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001, and the courage, sacrifice and unity that continue to define the day’s legacy.

The ceremony is open to the public.

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