25 Years Later, Franklin County Remembers 9/11 and Honors Those Who Answered the Call

Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Franklin County residents, first responders and community leaders gathered at the Franklin County Courthouse to remember the lives lost, honor those who ran toward danger and recognize local firefighters who also gave their lives in service.

The September 11 Remembrance Ceremony was held by the Franklin County Firefighters Association and led by Chaplain Ted Jones, who opened by welcoming community members, families, first responders and honored guests.

“Twenty-five years later, the memories of that horrific day remain with us forever etched in our minds,” said Jones.

A 9/11 Survivor From Franklin County

One of the most powerful moments came when Jones recognized Tara Jones, a survivor of the September 11 attacks.

Tara Jones was inside Building 5, directly across from the World Trade Center towers, when the attacks happened. She was caring for young children at the Children's Discovery Center and helped get them away from the danger.

Chaplain Jones said that while fleeing, Tara became physically exhausted while carrying two toddlers. She prayed for strength and came across a two-seat stroller that helped her continue.

“Her presence with us today is a living testimony to courage, perseverance, and the precious gift of life,” Jones said.

After an opening prayer and the presentation of colors, singer-songwriter and TV and movie actress Rae Radick performed the national anthem.

Jones later shared the Firefighter's Prayer and reflected on what the uniform represents for those who choose a life of service.

“The badge, the helmet, the uniform are not just simply symbols of a job, but they represent a commitment to serve others even when that service comes at a great personal cost,” Jones said.

He also reminded the crowd that remembering September 11 is also about making sure younger generations understand why that day still matters.

“It's not simply just another chapter in a history book, but a reminder of the courage, compassion and sacrifice that emerged in the midst of tragedy.”

“America Stood Up”

Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White, the ceremony's guest speaker, began his remarks by citing Alan Jackson's Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning), asking those gathered to remember where they were on September 11, 2001.

White remembered walking towards his patrol vehicle when a 911 communicator asked whether he had heard about what was initially believed to be an accident. Like millions of Americans, he watched the events on TV and realized the country was watching something much larger.

White also asked the crowd to remember what happened to America during and after the attacks:

“But something else happened that day. America stood up,” White said. “For a brief moment, politics didn't matter, differences didn't matter. We were simply all Americans.”

White also recognized the passengers of United Flight 93, including Todd Beamer, who fought back against the hijackers. Beamer's final words, “Ok, let's roll,” became a symbol of the courage on the flight before it crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

After White's speech, Radick returned to perform her original song, Soldier and the Bombshell, inspired by her grandparents and her grandfather's military service in Africa while her grandmother remained home caring for their children.

The Bell Rang for Those Who Never Came Home

The ceremony ended with a fire service tradition: the ringing of the bell.

As Franklin County remembered the first responders who died because of September 11, the community also honored local fallen firefighters:

The bell rang three times in their honor.

Jones thanked everyone who helped make the ceremony possible before offering a final prayer and bringing the remembrance to a close.

Twenty-five years later, the message shared outside the Franklin County Courthouse was simple: Remember those who were lost, honor those who answered the call, teach the next generation what happened – and never forget.