HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) – The night was lit with lights from emergency services of every type to mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 (9/11). No sirens are used as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives that fateful day.
The parade was led by city police and included fire departments from throughout the county, as well as the local ambulance service. Some chose to hang an American flag from their truck. The Parade of Lights has become an annual event spearheaded by Laura Lilly. Lilly says she wanted to see an event in Hinton to commemorate the day that changed our country. She arranged for all branches of emergency services to be represented.
It is easy to imagine that everyone old enough can remember exactly what they were doing when the attacks rocked the country and the space of time shortly after. One of the most vivid memories for this reporter is watching it unfold on TV and hearing all the PASS alarms going off. My daughter asked me what that funny sound was, and it was all I could do to hold back the tears. I knew if the attacks had been closer, it would be my friends, people I knew, trapped in the rubble; a very humbling moment. Emergency responders put their lives on the line any time duty calls, with no hesitation.
It was an honor to attend a parade to show respect for the men and women who left for the day and never made it home. Those who said goodbye, never knowing it would be the last time. Individuals who took precious time to call and say I love you one last time and those who rushed up a flight of stairs to save a life, probably knowing they wouldn’t make it. These are the people who are being honored at a parade of lights. Many thanks to Lilly for continuing to arrange for this beautiful event to commemorate the resiliency of the American people.
