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September 11th 2001 remains a tragic and vivid day in the memories of those who were of age to experience it. 

Throughout the day on Wednesday, numerous events were held to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 individuals that were lost and offer respects to those willing to make courageous sacrifices. 

At that morning’s meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court, Magistrate Robert Blanton was one of many who spoke. 

“First and foremost, I want to remember those from the tragedy of twenty-three years ago on [September 11th],” said Blanton. “We always want to keep those families…in our prayers.” 

Perhaps fittingly, several members of the Clark County Fire Department were recognized in a promotion ceremony during the meeting. 

They were Lieutenant Brad Holman, Lieutenant Joe Wheeling, Lieutenant Nic Carson, Lieutenant Chris King, Lieutenant Chris King and Lieutenant Nathan Matthews. 

Later that morning, the Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony took place just outside George Rogers Clark High School with those present including Principal Luke Toy and Senator Greg Elkins. 

As the ceremony occurred, led by GRC’s award-winning JROTC team featuring music from the school’s band, hundreds of students and staff gathered outside to observe.

Quoting a message from current United States President Joe Biden, one cadet stated: “During these seldom days, we renew our sacred vows…never forget the loved ones we lost. Never forget the first responders who ran toward the rubble to save others. Never forget hundreds of thousands of patriots who signed up to serve in the years after, and never forget that when an enemy tried to tear us apart, our country came together.” 

Certainly far from least, Winchester’s annual Blue Mass service took place at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Main Street. 

Celebrated annually across the United States, the service is dedicated to those in the public safety field, including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and more. 

On September 11, 2001, over 400 first responders lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. 

Among others In attendance for the event were first responders from throughout the city and county, as well as current Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner, City Manager Bruce Manley, and Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver – a former firefighter. 

“The need to honor our first responders has not faded,” said Chuck Bast, a member and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2459, who sponsors and helps organize the event. 

The event also paid tribute to the late Father Mychal Judge, a Catholic priest who accompanied the New York City Fire Department and was killed on September 11. 

“He was not only a priest, but he considered himself a fireman as well,” said Father James Kinney, who serves St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. “His calling was very similar to the calling of these first responders. They choose to serve. They choose to be there in the worst…of situations.”