Republican women commemorate 9/11
Members of the military were recognized at the event. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Reflections, state of the country assessments and pleas were common themes Saturday night at the Davidson County Republican Women’s (DCRW) 9/11 commemoration. Taking place 20 years after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, DC and Shanksville, PA, guests utilized their time to share where they were on that fateful day, their current view of the United States and their hopes for the future.
Speakers included Ed Broyhill, Kay Wildt, Judge Fed Gore, Captain Brian E. Grubb, and Commissioner James Shores. Before eating dinner, US Marine Dan Wood led the Pledge of Allegiance, Kristen Hailey sang the National Anthem, Kelly Gallimore provided the welcome and Reverend Mike McDaniel, pastor of Currytown Baptist delivered the invocation (and later the benediction).
Prior to the speeches, all attendees who were in the military were asked to stand and share what branch they served in. First responders were also acknowledged.
Shores, a veteran and an officer with the Thomasville Police Department, recalled being in his chief’s office when he learned what was happening. It would later produce a fury in him.
“We’d fought so hard to keep peace in our country and that kind of evil off our soil. It made me mad, furious.”
He’s also upset about the state of the country, now.
“Back then, Americans came together and worked as one. Today, we’re not doing that. We’re fighting each other and finding every stupid reason to fight. We need to be fighting for each other not each other. We need to be one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Grubb, the captain of school resource officers for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department shared his thoughts about the perception of law enforcement 20 years ago and currently.
“After 9/11, we were getting respect and we were overjoyed. I had never seen the states more united. We’re in a state of civil unrest, now. It’s unsettling to see the public’s perception of law enforcement. The stress is unbelievable.”
Charities were the main focus for Broyhill and Wildt. Broyhill, the North Carolina Republican National Committee Committeeman, prioritized spreading the word about the Patriots Foundation and their purpose. The goal of the Patriot Foundation is to provide support for the children of military service men and women killed, wounded, injured, or who become seriously ill while serving our nation. Ahead of Wildt’s speech, Broyhill thanked those in attendance for their “trust and confidence in him to serve at the national level.”
The Fisher House was Wildt’s focal point. There are 91 Fisher Houses in the US and one internationally. The first house was built in 1999. Lodging at one is free to any military family of a loved one that’s been admitted to a hospital. Wildt offered suggestions of how attendees can continue to support their efforts. They include donating airline miles, hotel reward points (can be used for a military family if the nearest Fisher House is full) and funds.
Gore, a veteran and judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, addressed the crowd about facing their fears. He noted that when the attacks occurred, as a member of the National Guard, he knew he was going to have to face his fear of being deployed. He served three tours overseas. Having been “welcomed home” multiple times, he feels the US has improved its treatment of veterans since the Vietnam War.
Afterwards, Gallimore, president of the DCRW, made a statement regarding the event. .
“We felt as a club that we wanted to honor 9/11 to all those lives sacrificed. I pray for them and wouldn’t be where were are in this country if not for people who sacrifice their lives every day. I’m very humbled at the outpouring of support and what this day means.”
