Memories of a horrible day are still strong, even two years later.
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Throughout the area, residents stopped Thursday to remember the terrorist attacks that changed the country.
Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department members were joined at a memorial by a local family who lost a New York firefighter - and brother, brother-in-law and uncle - when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
"It's just one of those days that will be forever in my heart," said Joanne Kennelly, whose brother, Paul Tegtmeier, died in the line of duty.
"I want people to know about all firefighters, and what they do," Mrs. Kennelly said.
The massive U.S. flag in front of the Signal Towers at Fort Gordon was at half-staff as soldiers and civilians observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the time two years ago when an airliner slammed into the Pentagon.
"I don't know anyone in the military who doesn't know someone who lost someone there," said Brig. Gen. Janet Hicks, the post commander.
At one event, people also learned as they remembered. Children got a chance to tour the hub of emergency communications Thursday and learn what to do in an emergency as the Richmond County Emergency 911 Center held its annual 911 Day.
Though the event has been going on since before Sept. 11, 2001, staff members, city officials and emergency responders paid respects to the emergency workers who responded when terrorists attacked two years ago.
As in Augusta, emergency services workers in Aiken County remembered Sept. 11.
"Remember! Remember! Remember!" read the sign outside the Aiken Public Safety Department during a morning memorial service.
The brief service began with a moment of reflection.
"It's one of those things that all of us, as we go through our lives, will never forget," Pete Frommer, the director of public safety, told the crowd.
Marvin Kestin, a retired member of the Fire Department of New York City, followed taps with a salute. His son, Phil, is a member of Aiken Public Safety.
"We lost some good men," said Mr. Kestin, who retired in 1990 from New York's Ladder Co. 40 after 30 years.
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Al Gillespie, the chief of the Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department (from left), salutes along with Tony Kennelly, whose wife, Joanne, wipes away tears.
ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF
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Solemn bells also rang in Columbia County on Thursday morning.
Residents, emergency responders and county officials attended memorial services in front of Columbia County's justice center and fire stations.
"I think it's extremely important, not only for emergency workers, but for all Americans, to never forget this day, ever," Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle said.
Evans High School students gathered at the school's flagpole, where students raised the flag and the school band played patriotic songs.
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Destiny Evans, 2, waves a flag atop the shoulders of her father, Bruce Evans, at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater.
CHRIS THELEN/STAFF
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Later in the day, Martinez Elementary School chose a different way to recognize the sober anniversary.
During an assembly, the school honored several of its pupils and their parents whom the faculty nominated for "heroic" acts, ranging from civic involvement to recovering from surgery.
Staff Writers Donnie Fetter, Josh Gelinas and Valerie Rowell contributed to this article.
Reach Jeremy Craig at (706) 823-3409 or jeremy.craig@augustachronicle.com.
