American Legion Post 2 presented on Abbeville's Court Square a program on Friday morning to mark the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Those attacks left a lasting mark on America, as four planes were hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists.
Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one crashed in western Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to take the plane back.
The hijackers are believed to have been flying the plane to Washington, D.C. when it crashed.
Nearly 3,000 people, including many first responders, lost their lives on that terrible day.
That was 19 years ago, and people still remember what they were doing when they heard the news of planes crashing into buildings.
Friday morning, American Legion Post 2 commander Terry Greenfield served as emcee for the American Legion program, underscoring the contributions of veterans and first responders in working to keep America safe.
"We're here because of many, many brave men and women," Greenfield told the crowd assembled on the north end of the Square.
First responders and veterans deserve a big "thank you." What they do is not just a job for them, but a commitment that affects their families as well.
Among those in attendance were Abbeville County Sherriff Ray Watson, City Fire Chief Neil Dickenson, City Council Member Jim Grant, and others -- just to name a few.
There was a posting of the colors, and American Legion Post 2 chaplain Wallace McClinton provided the invocation and benediction.
Veteran Wayne "Scooter" Brown tolled the bell "Big Bob" on Court Square at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first plane hit the World Trade Center, and he tolled the bell again shortly after 9 a.m. when the second plane hit.
A recording of "Amazing Grace" was played, those on hand took part in the Pledge of Allegiance, and veteran Ron Wilson played "Taps."
"God bless America," Greenfield noted in his concluding remarks.