At the conclusion of the September 11, memorial service held at the Alex Chatman Complex in Kingstree, attendants listened as bugler Robert Welch played Taps. The familiar sound of Taps bugle call signals that unauthorized lights are to be extinguished. This is the last call of the day and is also sounded at the completion of a military funeral ceremony. Photo by Michaele Duke

On the morning of September 11, a memorial service reflected on a day 11 years earlier, when nearly 3,000 people were killed in several terrorist attacks on American soil. That day will never be forgotten, nor will the sacrifices of those who defend the United States and those who call it home.

The 9-11 ceremony, which was held at the Alex Chatman Complex in Kingstree and hosted by the McClary-Cole VFW Post 6500 and Ladies Auxiliary included a candle lighting and POW/MIA vigil, and recognition of military branches and Vietnam veterans.

In addition, Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley was presented a wreath that will be displayed during future services, and Mayors German Glasscho, Grady Richardson, Ricky Burrows, and Charlie Fulton were presented flags. The program concluded with a rendition of "Taps" by bugler Robert Welch.

The program was a somber reminder that life is a precious commodity and those whose lives were lost on that fateful day as well as the plight of our military POWs and MIAs should never be forgotten. "We are assembled here to remember those from September 11, 2001, as well as comrades who are being held as prisoners of war and missing in action," said Post 6500 Commander Dentist Harvin. "We must not forget the sacrifices these comrades are still making and the suffering they are still enduring for us and our way of life."