Area residents and servicemen gathered at Dacula City Hall on Sunday to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11 through acts of service, words of remembrance and a living tribute.
The Dacula 9/11 day of remembrance was lead by a dedicated local teen. Mill Creek student Charles Orgbon, founder of Greening Forward, chose to remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day 10 years ago through the power of service.
“I choose to remember through service those who cannot serve anymore,” Orgbon said.
The event began with a special service project led by Orgbon himself. Student volunteers gathered in the parking lot, and then picked up trash along Harbins Road from the school to .
“We were honored as a school when asked to be a part of this opportunity,” said Dacula High School Key Club and Student Council member Cory Zeller. “The student body as a whole was very supportive, and it feels absolutely amazing to give back to Dacula and our servicemen and women.”
When the group arrived at city hall, they were joined by a crowd of Dacula residents, servicemen and city officials. The group gathered inside city hall for a few words of remembrance.
The ceremony began with a prayer from Pastor Steven Carroll of the . Other speakers included Gwinnett County Police Department Assistant Chief Butch Ayers and Miss Dacula Pageant members Monica Wolfe, Suzanne Thornton, Reba Shelby Jack and Hayley Wilson.
Dacula concluded the remarks with a touching speech about the importance of remembering 9/11.
“We remember the strike aimed at the heart of America,” Wilbanks said with deep passion. “We will not forget!”
Following these inspiring words of remembrance, the crowd gathered outside for the planting of two tall maple trees. These trees will serve as Dacula’s living memorial to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
The Dacula day of remembrance ended with the raising of the American flag from its half-mast position, and the touching sound of the Pledge of Allegiance spoken in unison by all those gathered to remember the devastating events that took place on 9/11 exactly 10 years ago.
