David Andrews III of McDonough still remembers where he was when terror gripped the nation on September 11, 2001.
“I was at the dentist’s office,” he said. “We were watching on TV, and we thought it was just an accident until the second plane hit.”

Andrews is the coordinator for Henry County’s Patriot Day, marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The event will emanate from the intersection of Ga. Highway 20/81 and Industrial Boulevard in McDonough.

Separate ceremonies will mark the times for each of the 9/11 attacks – at 8:46 a.m., 9:04 a.m., 9:46 a.m., and 10:03 a.m. Andrews said spectators should arrive at 8 a.m. or sooner, because traffic will be stopped for the event.

“They can come for any or all of the four ceremonies,” he said. “A lot of this is about the 343 firemen who lost their lives that day. We especially key in on that. This is also for the 2,996 people who lost their lives, too. Part of our statement is, we realize it’s still going on today. Let us never forget.”

The McDonough Fire and Police departments, McDonough High School NJROTC, the Marine Corps League, and the Marine Corps Honor Guard will participate in the event. American Legion Post 516 of McDonough and Post 256 of Jonesboro will also be on hand, along with the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group.

“The McDonough High School Navy JROTC is bringing in flags,” said Andrews. “None of them were born when the planes hit. They’re all younger than 2001.”

Andrews helped to launch Patriot Day locally in 2006. He said the event will feature a 21-gun salute, a performance of “Taps,” and a discussion of what happened on September 11, 2001. That day, he said, must be regarded as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, “so that we never do forget.”

“Right now, people are trying to get rid of history.” said Andrews. “If you don’t pay attention to history, history repeats itself.”

“It changed the direction of the whole country,” he continued. “On September 12, I would say that the country came together more than it ever had before or after.”

Andrews said local residents have responded well to Patriot Day remembrances. He is hopeful that will continue this year.
“I’ve actually had people get out of their car with a folded flag that they were holding,” said Andrews. “They really appreciated it. But it’s never really been promoted at all. We really need to promote it so the generations that come along behind us don’t lose track of it.”

Daniela Sullivan-Marzahl of Locust Grove is an interim coordinator for Patriot Day. In September of 2001, she had just moved to Locust Grove from Houston, Texas, to be closer to her father, who was battling cancer.

She said it is important to mindful of the price of freedom.

“Freedom isn’t free – it costs someone,” said Sullivan-Marzahl. “Our law enforcement – their goal is to come home every time they go out, and a lot of people don’t understand that.

“The concern is that people become complacent and forget that freedom is costly, and that even America can be attacked,” she continued. “There are always people that will give their lives to protect us and keep us safe, and we need to appreciate those people. They are the true heroes and patriots. Thus, we have Patriot Day.”

Star Harrison of Stockbridge will take over for Andrews in future Patriot Day events. She is part of the worship team at Masterpiece Church in McDonough, and the daughter of former Henry County Commissioner Marion Hall Simpson and his wife, Clara.

Harrison said the observance calls to mind “the love of what we used to be” as a country.

Patriot Day, she said, is an opportunity to reflect on the price of freedom.

“It’s a solemn event to remember,” said Harrison. “It’s for the love of the country and to remember the sacrifices people have made for the freedoms we have, and all of the people who died that day.”

For more information, call David Andrews III at 678-642-2158.