Patriot’s Day is a day of remembrance and reflection on the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks and this year it was a day for a community dedication of a new, huge American flag at Mike Burch Ford in Blackshear.
Mike Burch, owner of the dealership, said he has long envisioned displaying a large American flag as “a symbol of our patriotism and unity.”
Burch served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
Guest speakers included State Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven) Blackshear Mayor Reith Brooks and U.S. Army Veteran Guylee Washington Jr. Washington is a member of the Offerman City Council and is the charter commander of the Pierce County AMVETS Chapter 1857.
Meeks was living in Washington, DC at the time and remembered first hand the terror of the day noting Air Force fighter jets were scrambled that day to intercept United Flight 93 that eventually crashed in Pennsylvania.
“The Air Force jets were unarmed. They did not have weapons. They were on a kamikaze mission to sacrifice themselves to save others,” he said.
Meeks also called for reflection in the murder of Conservative activitist Charlie Kirk, which occurred the day before.
“We should be able to disagree respectfully without resorting to violence,” he said.
Brooks was an air traffic controller at Jacksonville International Airport at the time.
“We received the reports of the planes crashing in to the World Trade Center and we were ordered to ground all planes — something that had never been done in history,” he said. “It was just eerie to see the radar screens completely empty.”
Washington recalled all the innocent lives lost on 9-11 and then recalled the heroism of firefighters, police officers and EMT’s. He also honored the military who fought in the War on Terror.
Burch recognized all active duty military, veterans and first responders during the program.
Following his remarks, Washington let all veterans, active duty military and first responders in unfurling the large American flag and hoisting it up the flag pole in front of the Ford dealership.
After briefly reaching the top, the flag was then lowered to half mast in honor of Patriot’s Day and honoring Kirk.
Washington then led the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” was played.
A time of refreshments and fellowship followed the ceremony.
Blackshear Mayor Keith Brooks and State Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven) salute the American flag as it is raised during the Patriot’s Day ceremony.
