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LIGHTNING PHOTOS: Community commemorates Sept. 11

By Bill Moss, Published: September 11, 2025

Dozens of people joined police, firefighters and emergency workers at 9 o'clock Thursday morning to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the U.S. as they saluted the first responders who ran toward the danger on Sept. 11 and thanked those who routinely do the same every day.

Jimmy Brissie, Henderson County's public services director, said people in the mountains of North Carolina faced their own large-scale emergency one year ago when Hurricane Helene struck.

“It was friends helping strangers, serving each other to get through our own local tragedy,” he said. “On Sept. 8, Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed September as First Responders month in the state of North Carolina. Our state Legislature likewise designated this day to honor the courage and sacrifice of our first responders. And the United States Congress has established September 11 as Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

“As we depart the ceremony today, let us carry with us a solemn commitment to serve, to remember, to revere and to reflect on those patriots who, through their service and their ultimate sacrifice, safeguard our communities and continue to strengthen our nation.”