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ETBU remembers fallen heroes of 9/11

September 11, 2019

In remembrance and honor, East Texas Baptist University and the Marshall community paid homage to the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. A prayer service, memorial stair climb, and a special memorial presentation during ETBU’s chapel service were held on Wednesday to honor those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Before the memorial stair climb, ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn gave the benediction at the annual 9/11 community prayer service held Wednesday morning at Telegraph Park in historic downtown Marshall.

“Still today we mourn the tragedy that struck our country 18 years ago in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania,” Dr. Blackburn said. “As the utter shock and horror of that day have subsided, we remember and pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for their brothers and sisters and we pray for their families, who have endured every day without a mother, father, sister, brother, wife, husband, or child. And still, we rejoice in how God united us as a people, who link arm in arm for freedom and democracy.”

The District Chief of Harrison County Emergency Services put together a local stair climb, inspired by a similar event held in Dallas each year, at ETBU’s Marshall Grand in historic downtown Marshall. During the memorial stair climb, active/retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and military service members were invited to join the Harrison County ESD 3 Fire Rescue and the Marshall Fire Department in the first annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on the 8-story staircase of the Marshall Grand.

“The men and women who died that day while running up the stairs of those towers were fierce, determined individuals with purpose and conviction in every step. We want to honor them in the same way,” Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Marshall and ESD 3 Battalion Chief Randy Pritchard said. “The Marshall Grand was the perfect choice for several reasons, but most of all – it has steps! The external fire escape allowed the community, as well as family members, to watch and support our first responders as they performed the greatest act of remembrance and follow in the footsteps of the men and women who perished while attempting to save the lives of people they had never met simply because it was their job to do so.”

Participants of the stair climb showed up wearing full gear ready to climb in an act of remembrance of the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, and 8 EMT’s who sacrificed their lives on that fateful day.

“The Marshall Grand is the tallest building in Marshall, so it takes a whole different level of strength to go up 11 times to get to the same height they were at that day. It’s very eye-opening,” firefighter and paramedic for the Marshall Fire Department Tanner Carrol said during his climb. “I was in first grade when the attack happened and it’s always something I think about often. This is one of the reasons I became a firefighter. I wanted to be in a position to help people. Knowing that there are people at the top who need help is what keeps you going with each step.”

While each year is marked with remembrance of this tragic day, 2019 is especially unique because most freshmen on ETBU’s campus were born in 2001.

“For people to recognize that I was born in 2001 and to have a weight attached to it that I have not experienced makes me feel empty,” freshman speech communication major Avery Harrison said. “I can’t feel what they are feeling about 2001. I feel blessed that I don’t have to carry that weight, but at the same time I wish I could relate.”

Although some students on campus are too young to remember the details of that day, ETBU Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Josh Scott remembers what he was doing on the morning of September 11, 2001.

“I remember walking through the library of a small North Carolina public high school where I taught at the time,” Scott said. “The librarian pointed at the television in the teacher’s work area. It was quiet around that little television. We were in shock. And it stayed quiet for a long time. Why is this happening? How are we going to respond? I didn’t have answers to my questions, but I knew one thing for sure...my world would never be the same.”

During East Texas Baptist’s chapel service, a memorial wreath, accompanied by firefighter gear, was placed at the front of the chapel in remembrance. Students were shown a memorial presentation and a special address was given by Dr. Scott Stevens, ETBU Dean of Spiritual Life.

“This morning, we pause to remember what happened 18 years ago on this day,” Dr. Stevens said. “On that day, we were reminded that security is an illusion, that life is fragile, that fear can be crippling. But we were also reminded that heroes still exist, that courage does not waver, and that bravery knows no limits. That faith is our refuge, that hope sustains us, and that love endures all.”

The flags displayed in front of Marshall Hall today serve as a visual representation of American freedom, democracy, and religious liberty as the University reflects and remembers the almost 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001.