Lynchburg, Forest communities remember 9/11

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Lynchburg residents marked the anniversary of Sept. 11 in different ways Friday, with a commemoration at Monument Terrace and a field of American flags in Forest.

A commemoration took place at Monument Terrace to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Today we remember the 343, we remember the officers and the medics, we remember the responders we have lost in the years since to the illnesses born of that day,” Lynchburg Fire Department Chief Brad Creasy said. “We commit again to caring for those still fighting those battles.”

Vietnam veteran Scott Bozeman said remembering is a proper tribute.

“That banner behind me, I stood, I put that up last Monday. I’ve been doing that for a decade now,” Bozeman said. “Let Lynchburg know that 9/11 should be something to remember to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice that day, but all those other military that died after once we went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

In Forest, 1,100 American flags stand side by side. Each flag was given in honor of a service member. The display, called the Field of Honor, was put together by the Forest Rotary Club.

David Shaw served in the Army for 26 years.

“It’s very emotional,” Shaw said. “I spent 26 years on active duty. Whenever I see the old glory, it reminds me of a wonderful United States of America.”

The flags serve as a reminder for what happened that day.

“The remembrance,” Shaw said. “When people drive by and they see the beautiful display of flags, especially on Graves Mill. When the wind is blowing and they’re all laying straight out and you can see every one of them dress right dress. It makes me proud and I know it makes them proud.”

Bozeman’s message for the community goes beyond just remembering the day.

“Never forget,” Bozeman said. “We have short memories. Americans do. So, keep in mind that banner right there is never forget 9-11-01. So, as each year goes by, just take a moment of silence, if nothing else, that day.”

The Field of Honor will remain in place until Sept. 23.