LIMA — A large American flag, held aloft by two fire trucks, created a solemn backdrop over the parking lot entrance of Lima First Memorial Church on Saturday as the community gathered for a memorial marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The tribute, held in Lima, commemorated the attacks that occurred in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Dr. Timothy White, Senior Pastor at Lima First Memorial, led the service, which was attended by Mayor Smith and several local first responders. Attendees stood for the Star-Spangled Banner as part of the remembrance.
The memorial began with the distinct sound of bagpipes, preceding the solemn removal of ceremonial caskets from hearses by former and current local military personnel. These caskets, draped in American flags, served to honor the first responders who lost their lives, as well as those who perished on the four planes or in the locations that were struck during the attacks. The service concluded with a rifle salute and taps performed by elder veterans, followed by a final bagpipe song.
Andy Heffner, Bath Township Trustee and Retired Lima City Fire Chief, delivered a tearful speech during the memorial. Heffner spoke about his personal memories of September 11, 2001, having also been asked to speak at the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
Reflecting on the church’s history with 9/11 remembrances, Dr. White shared his pride in Lima First Memorial Church’s first 9/11 memorial, held on a Sunday afternoon in 2005 following a church service. He recalled that the initial memorial, coming only four years after the attacks, was significantly more emotional, with the scars still fresh, and people still grieving. Dr. White noted a larger attendance at the 2005 event, describing it as a grand display of patriotism.
He also remembered specific details from that first service, including fifth-grade students from North Elementary laying roses on the coffins and crafting personalized letters. The American Red Cross was present, as were various civic and local entities, according to Dr. White.
Looking ahead, when questioned about what the 50th anniversary of 9/11 might entail, Heffner expressed a fear that it could become “just another day in history,” similar to Pearl Harbor. Dr. White, however, voiced hope that the 50th anniversary would be a time for people to remember, honor, and educate each other about 9/11. He emphasized, “We want to remember that every loss had a face, a name, and a family.”
