Thirteen years after terrorist planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, local public safety personnel gathered at Bulloch Memorial Gardens Thursday to remember those who lost their lives in efforts to save others on Sept. 11, 2001.

Statesboro and Bulloch County firefighters joined area police officers and other public safety officials to perform a ceremony in front of a 9/11 memorial monument at the cemetery on U.S. Highway 80.

Dressed in formal uniforms, officers and firefighters formed a corridor flanking the Statesboro Fire Department Honor Guard as the guard marched toward the monument in a respectful silence, carrying flags and ceremonial axes.

After the presentation of colors, Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn and Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner carried a patriotic floral arrangement to the site.

Former Statesboro firefighter Bryan Price offered prayer, thanking God for public safety workers and the services they provide, as well as honoring civilian and rescuers who lost lives in the 9/11 attacks.

After a moment of silence, Statesboro City Councilman Phil Boyum spoke briefly, reading an inspirational poem, written by Michael Brett from London. Here is the beginning of the poem:

Tomorrow, it will all run backwards.

The steel tsunamis will froth back upwards
And become solid.
The planes will be pulled out like javelins
And slide backwards, swallowing their vapour trails.

Tomorrow, everyone will be fine.

Boyum also offered his own personal thoughts.

"On days like today, I always find it important to think about tomorrow," he said. "To think about what we have today."

Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams, who served as director of the ceremony, rang a silver bell - five rings in a row, three times, totaling 15 peals - before the Bulloch County Sheriff's Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute.
Above, two contrails left by unseen aircraft formed twin streaks across the sky as the ceremony unfolded.

After the closing prayer, Grams captured the spirit of the ceremony.

"Thirteen years and it seems like yesterday," he said.

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.