Republicans honor area emergency personnel as part of Patriot Day observance

Recognizing that danger can lie ahead for all of us, and that our country was founded on Christian principles, The Randolph County Republican Women, headed by Valinda Freed, hosted a Patriot Day recognition dinner ceremony at Timber Lake Christian Church on September 11, the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attack on our nation.

PowerPoint programs and videos of the tragedy which took place on 9-11, were shown in an attempt to reinforce the theme of the ceremony, “May We Never Forget”. Representatives of the Moberly Fire Department, Moberly Police Department, Randolph County Ambulance District and First Responders, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department were in attendance to be recognized for the work they do each day. Each went forward to introduce themselves and tell about their service.

Clay Joiner, Superintendent of the Randolph County Ambulance District, reminded everyone that First Responders assist in emergencies at a moment’s notice and are volunteers.

“Tonight we feel that same gratitude and pride as we honor you,” said Freed to the emergency personnel. “We know that whether you are running into a burning high rise in New York City, or running into a burning two-story house in Moberly, the danger and your selfless acts are the same.

“Whether you are attempting to extract an injured victim from a collapsed building in New York City or attempting to extract a victim from a terrible automobile crash in Highway 63, the danger and your acts of courage are the same.

“Whether you are chasing looters in new York City during a crisis or chasing a criminal across the roads of our county, the danger and your courageous acts are the same. Thank you for choosing your station in life, one that serves us and others in the highest and most honorable way.”

Veterans were recognized and honored, as well.

To conclude the event, lights were dimmed and each person held a small lit candle as Jerry Carroll led them in “God Bless America”.

Photo displays of the four 9-11attacks were created and displayed by Mary Wolf.