ROCKINGHAM — First responders from across Richmond County will once again remember those who lost their lives 18 years ago.
For several years on Sept. 11, firefighters, police officers, deputies, dispatchers and other rescue personnel — both volunteer and paid — have made the three-mile march from downtown Rockingham to Walmart in a commemoration to the first responders in New York who died trying to rescue victims from the World Trade Center in 2001.
This year is no different.
The marchers are scheduled to gather at the old Richmond County courthouse at 8 a.m. for a pre-march ceremony, according to Lt. Joe Cahoon with the Rockingham Fire Department. Guest speakers will be Sheriff James Clemmons, Rockingham Mayor Steve Morris and Robbie Stewart, chaplain for the sheriff’s office.
The ceremonial march coincides with the events of the fateful day, with walking slated to begin at 8:46 — the time that the first plane hit the north tower.
The route takes marchers from the courthouse on Franklin Street, where they will make a right at the light and walk downhill on U.S. 1, then turn onto U.S. 74 Business.
They will stop for a moment of silence at 9:03, when the south tower was hit.
Cahoon said the marchers will stop for a quick break when they reach Sonic before continuing on to Walmart.
Although the event is organized by the Rockingham Fire Department, most if not all of the county’s other fire and rescue and law enforcement agencies participate.
