Vets lead Chapin in patriotic Labor Day Parade
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9-11 continues to unite New York and South Carolina
Lexington County Chronicle South Carolinians and New Yorkers have united to remember those who perished on that September 11 morning in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania in terror attacks. Next year on the ten year anniversary of that tragic day, South Carolinians again will be united with New Yorkers when a “Lexington County First responders Wall of Remembrance Forever” memorial is unveiled using two pieces of steel recovered from Ground Zero of World Trade Center Tower One. Brooklyn native Dan Hennigan, a retired U.S. Army officer and corporate executive and now a resident of Lexington County, South Carolina, returned to New York City Sunday, Sept. 5 with three South Carolina firefighters where on the 7th they will meet city leaders and receive two steel beams from Tower One. The Lexington County memorial will remember all first responders that have died in line of duty from the South Carolina Midlands community — including police, fire, emergency medical personnel and troops overseas. “What makes this memorial different than any other one is that there will be one memorial that families can come to see all ‘First Responders’ that made the ultimate sacrifice,” Hennigan said while on the road to New York Sunday. “The memorial is one that unites us together verses divides us by having separate ‘First Responder’ memorials.” Lexington County is the home of White Knoll Middle School where students, teachers and staff united in 2001 to raise money for a ladder truck for the NYC Fire Department. Uniting the community and South Carolinians, the students raised more than $500,000 to replace Ladder Truck 101 at the Red Hook, Brooklyn fire department that was destroyed when the twin towers collapsed on 9-11. Seven firefighters from that station lost their lives saving others from the burning towers on 9-11. The story began during the Civil War. Northern soldiers who watched the burning of the City of Columbia, S.C. were dismayed by the devastation, and upon returning to NYC, decided that something must be done. In 1867 the firefighters of the New York Fireman’s Association donated a hose carriage to the city of Columbia to assist in firefighting efforts. At that time Columbia was still using bucket brigades. Their first attempt at delivery was thwarted by a storm, which sank the ship transporting the carriage in the Charleston harbor. Undaunted, citizens of New York bought another fire carriage, which successfully made the trip to South Carolina. Captain J.J. Mackey, then fire captain for Columbia, said in appreciation, “These noble efforts of yours to assist us remain forever green in our memory.” He promised if ever the occasion should arise Columbia would remember and repay our debt of gratitude to the people of New York. Columbia never forgot. The Midlands community and White Knoll Middle School returned the honor with Ladder Truck 101. “I first got the idea to build ‘Lexington County First Responders Wall of Remembrance Forever’ on Sept. 10, 2009 when our two WKMS seventh grade 9/11 student essays winners stood in front of the ‘Brooklyn Wall Of Remembrance’ and read there essays to the NYC citizens and visitors who were participating in the NYC 9/11 Remembrance Service,” Hennigan said. “It was at this event I met Johnathan Flora, Walt Disney Producer, and the producer for Gary Sinise’s Documentary ‘For The Common Good’. On Sept. 12, 2009 I met with Johnathan and Gary Sinise and we spoke about the ‘Brooklyn Wall Of Remembrance’ and how it unites us and brings us together.” Hennigan and Irmo firefighters Captain Thomas Amick, Captain Ben Smith and Firefighter Burl Vreeland are scheduled to be back in Lexington County Wednesday, Sept. 8. Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld said Sunday his firefighters and Hennigan will put the steel beams on display at the Lexington County Courthouse at the current 9-11 Memorial beginning sometime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday for the public to view. | |||
A tribute to our heroes
You can tell a lot about the values and beliefs of a nation and its people by the way it treats its warriors. Columbia Honor Flight flew 96 World War II veterans, friends and family members to Washington, D.C., this week for a tour of the World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other monuments. Their reception along the way at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Reagan National Airport and around the capital city was enthusiastic and heart felt. Many of these heroes live in Lexington County. Look for exciting photos and articles about this tribute to our nation's heroes in next Thursday's Chronicle. | |||
Wilson investigation centers on $10 for gifts for soldiers' families
The Springdale resident said he welcomes a Congressional ethics investigation into his latest trip to Afghanistan. The Wall Street Journal reported Wilson is one of five members of the U.S. House of Representatives under investigation by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct after questions surfaced on a purchase of six small goblets during a Congressional trip in August. “I just wanted so much to show my appreciation to the troops by taking souvenirs to their offices,” the Republican said Thursday afternoon. Read the full story in the Sept. 9 issue of the Chronicle | |||
Last year, the service club held an inaugural Big Thursday fundraiser to help pay for improvements at Gibson Pond Park. The money funded a boardwalk and scenic overlook on 12-Mile Creek in the park off Gibson Road. (more) | |||
