For the 20th straight year, the Taylor Fire Department will host a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes who died in the tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001 The Patriot Day Memorial March will begin at 7 p.m. this Sunday at Seventh and Davis streets and will continue down Main Street to Heritage Square for a program. Citizens will line the street to observe the procession, which will include fire, police, military and emergency service personnel from Taylor, as well from departments all over Central Texas, including Jarrell, Lake Travis, Elgin, Coupland, Ranger and Weir. “We are very honored that we are able to continue this remembrance march every year,” said Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Copeland.
“We vowed never to forget; that was the catch phrase after the attack on our nation, and Taylor has held true to that.”
Taylor is one of the few cities nationwide that continues to conduct such a ceremony each year, according to city officials. Copeland said companies have been invited from further afield, including from outside of the state of Texas, as well. “The Taylor Fire Department is hosting their Annual Honor Guard Academy starting Sept. 12,” Copeland said. “A lot of those departments that have been invited may participate as well.
Following the parade, a program will take place at Heritage Square that will include the raising of the flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, a silent tribute and a three-volley salute, and the ringing of the bell with music from The Taylor Honor Guard, the Emergency Services Pipes and Drums Association and bugler Makaela Russell.
The featured speaker for this event will be Chief Chris Connealy, the senior director of Williamson County Emergency Services. In addition, District 4 Councilman Robert Garcia will give the welcome address, Jarrell Fire Department Chief Mark McAdams the invocation, Pastor Jeff Ripple of Christ Fellowship Church the benediction, and Renvie Crain will perform the national anthem.
For more information, call 512-352-6992.
Courtesy Taylor Fire Department
