Sept. 11: Patriot Day, ‘˜thanks to officers’ planned

The Pike County community will celebrate Patriot Day on Friday, Sept. 11 by remembering those who lost their lives during a Patriot Day Observance on the courthouse square at 12 noon and thanking law enforcement officers during a special program at the Williamson Music Barn at 8 p.m. ’We are inviting any law enforcement officers just to stop by and be recognized. The music starts at 6 p.m. and there will be a short presentation and speech at 8 p.m. recognizing officers and letting them know they’ve got the support of the community,’ said Richard Wallace of The Music Barn. ‘We thought this would be a good idea in light of the negativity in the news right now about law enforcement.’Sheriff Jimmy Thomas and others have been invited to the event. Wallace said he’s hoping members of the community will make signs to show their appreciation as the officers arrive. Several bands have already been scheduled for the evening and a short program will be held at 8 p.m. Pike County American Legion Post 197 will host the Patriot Day Observance on the courthouse square Friday, Sept. 11 at 12 noon. The ceremony will also include a Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial for upcoming inductees into the Pike County Memorial Annex. ’The Patriot Day Observance event helps those in attendance remember the tragedy of Sept. 11 and honor the 2,977 victims who died that fateful day,’ said Post 197 commander Bryan Richardson. ‘On this day throughout the nation, the flags will be at half staff. Using this significant date, there will also be a Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremony which will honor the four 2015 Pike County Memorial Annex inductees: Charlie H, Tidwell, U.S. Army, Private, WWII; James T. Harris, U.S. Marines, Lance Corporal, Vietnam; Glenn R. McCuaig, U.S. Marines, Lance Corporal, Vietnam; and Lonnie Lee Silver, U.S. Marines, Lance Corporal, Vietnam.’