JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — Nearly 25 years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Alabama continues to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, including first responders who ran towards danger. The state commemorates the day through memorials, service, and events like the annual stair climb at the Riverchase Galleria, symbolizing the 110 stories of the Twin Towers.
Chief Buddy Wilks of the Cahaba Valley Fire District reflected on the bravery of New York firefighters. “A lot of the firefighters in New York were at shift change when it happened, a lot of the firefighters there got on the trucks even though they were off duty, and gave their lives that day,” he said. “The question was always asked, what would’ve happened at my fire station, I said, we all would’ve done the exact same thing.”
Roy Williams, whose brother Major Dwayne Williams was killed in the Pentagon attack, shared his personal connection to the day. “For 24 years we’ve had to live with this. We became a member of a family no one wants to be a part of, the gold star family which means someone died in the war of terror,” he said. A monument in Trussville honors Major Williams, and Roy hopes to add a bronze bust as a lasting reminder for future generations…