GATESVILLE – Eleven years have come and gone since each and every true-blooded Americans stood in shock on September 11.

Despite that passage of time, true-blooded Americans still recall that fateful day – not so much in a sense of extracting revenge, but rather standing alongside their patriotic brethren in a time of honor and remembrance.

Such will be the case at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 where Woodmen of the World will conduct a flag and a flagpole dedication at Gates County Rescue & EMS, located at 16 US Hwy 158 in Gatesville. The public is invited.

The flagpole and American flag is being donated by The Woodmen of the World in “Honor and Memory of the Hero’s and Victim’s in the fight against terrorism and to celebrate the enduring Spirit of all Americans.”

North Carolina Senator Stan White will serve as the guest speaker and the Gates County Boy Scout Troop 200 Honor Guard will conduct the flag raising ceremony.

“These ceremonies give members, family and friends a chance to grieve over the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and to pay respect to the heroes who responded,” said Joe Nichols, field representative for Woodmen of the World.

Others scheduled to attend the event as members of Woodmen of World Lodge 862 along with Gates County Commissioners Graham Twine, Henry Jordan, John Hora, Jack Owens and Kenneth Jernigan.

Handheld American flags will be distributed to those in attendance by Woodmen of the World junior members. Tours of the EMS station and equipment will be given following the ceremony.

Woodmen of the World, founded in 1890, is one of the leading purchasers of American flags each year. Their member lodges annually conduct thousands of flag raising ceremonies.