WAXHAW, NC – The Town of Waxhaw partnered with the Waxhaw Business Association and marketing agency Haven Creative to ensure that Waxhaw’s 9/11 ceremony would go on despite pandemic restrictions. The ceremony began with a touching slideshow featuring photographs of the day of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Following the slideshow were speeches by Waxhaw Mayor Ron Pappas, and Waxhaw Business Association president Marcus Watson. Upon conclusion of the speeches, a scrolling list of the names of the 2977 people killed during the attacks was shown in their honor.

Mayor Pappas, during his speech, spoke to the unforgettable imprint that the day left on the hearts and minds of the American people. He quoted President George W. Bush, saying:

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”

Waxhaw, Pappas said, has not forgotten. The ceremony each year is Waxhaw’s way of remembering those who cannot be replaced. He said that it is to remember the heroism of the many first responders who worked tirelessly to search for and save others during the rescue and recovery effort.

“Many of these heroes,” Pappas said, “now live here in Waxhaw serving on our police department and volunteer fire department. We thank each of you, your friends, and your coworkers in New York who were with you during that time, for your heroic efforts. We are lucky to have you here in Waxhaw to protect our citizens and our community.”