AHOSKIE—A small group of people, braving the blazing afternoon sun, took time out of their Saturday schedule to remember the heroes who lost their lives seven years ago.

Citizens, town officials, civic club members and law enforcement officers gathered in front of the Ahoskie Kiwanis Club to remember the victims and heroes who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and those who put their lives on the line each day.

The event, sponsored by Woodmen of the World Lodge 328, also dedicated a new flag pole located in front of the Kiwanis Club building.

Mayor Linda Blackburn noted how 9/11 changed the country.

She also stated how many could recall where they where and what they were doing when the horrific events that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pa. took place.

Blackburn said she was traveling by plane when the tragedy was occurring and her thoughts turned to her son, who is a pilot.

“I didn’t know where he was,” said Blackburn recalling the panic she felt.

Blackburn commended law enforcement officers, fire officials and “those that put their lives on the line.”

“We must remember to appreciate them each day,” she said.

Guest speaker Judson Byrd urged people to value emergency officials as well as former and present military officers.

“I say a hardy thank you,” said Byrd, nodding to the Ahoskie Police officers, fire officials and Hertford County Sheriff’s deputy in attendance. “People don’t have a clue (what they go through).”

Of the 2,999 individuals that lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 411 were emergency workers.