After what planners called an “unbelievable turnout” for the inaugural Pegram 9/11 Tribute, they have decided to repeat the event next year.
“After tonight’s great turnout and great participation in walking the laps for the fallen [343 members of the New York Fire Department (FDNY)], there’s no doubt we’re doing this annually moving forward,” said their website. “We appreciate every one of you that came out to help us honor and remember the lives lost on this tragic day 22 years ago. All of the FDNY 343 [were] represented with laps along with the reading of their names after those laps, only an hour and a half after the event started. Truly unbelievable. We can’t thank you enough for making this a success!”
The event was the brainchild of Pegram Fire Department Engineer Taylor Davidson and wife Starr. They had the vision and worked hard to make the event a reality. It was sponsored by the City of Pegram and the Pegram Fire Department.
Participants in the event walked a half-mile lap around Pegram Park holding a picture of one of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. At the end of each lap, the name of the fallen hero was read and he or she was thanked for their bravery. Some participants even researched the person whom they represented. The Pegram Fire Department is asking anyone who researched a particular firefighter to share what they have learned on Pegram Fire Department’s Facebook page.
Amanda McCormick Ducharme, whose children participated in the walk, said, “As part of our homeschool work this week, my girls will be looking up the firefighters they walked for and sharing their information with our family. We will always remember and forever be grateful to those who have fallen and those still serving.”
It truly was a community event. Pegram United Methodist Church provided bottles of water for walkers, and members of their church also walked laps. Danny Stuart and Fire Marshal Fred Page presented the prayer and spoke during the event. Captain Jason Tant with the Nashville Fire Department and Nashville Fire Department Pipes and Drums played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Also participating were members of the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office.
“[Their playing Amazing Grace brought] tears to your eyes and chills to your skin at the same time,” said a representative for the Fire Department.
Participants were able to walk their laps any time between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The prayer, words of honor and moment of silence took place at 6:30 p.m.
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