The Claborn Family: 9-11-01 Never Forgotten

Words that were repeated over and over today

We will never forget!! God bless all those who lost a loved one on this tragic day, God bless all the people who gave their lives to save someone else's life and God bless all of our troops who continue to fight for the freedom of this beautiful country!! God Bless America!!!!!

Most people can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing 10 years ago today. I do too. I also remember the amazing unity felt by all as we came together to mourn the tragic event. It was hard to believe that it was real. You stared at the TV hoping something was not right about what you were seeing.

Ella, myself and my parents went to the City of Wylie’s memorial service today. I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of the city of Wylie. The service was amazing, humbling and perfect in honoring today. I am sad Cory had to miss it, but I am so proud to be his wife. He is a hero to many people today as he protects their homes from the wildfires in Texas.

Wouldn’t it be nice if she never knew evil? If she never experienced anything remotely close to the feelings of that day 10 years ago? I pray that she never does.

Wylie FD’s Honor Guard - incredibly moving

Wylie High School’s ROTC

Chief Corbin was on a rescue team sent to the World Trade Centers. He carries a coin he received there to remind him to “never forget”. He talked about the “never forgets”. One was to never forget to hug your loved one before you leave them each day.

The memorial was Chief Parker’s vision. He wanted a way to remember and honor the 343 responders that lost their lives trying to save others.

Many years ago, a bell was a way of communication in cities to mark certain events. A bell might have been rung to celebrate the marriage of two people, or the mourning of a lost loved one. The bell was also a communication piece in the fire department. They could ring the bells in certain codes to announce where a fire or emergency was. Chief Corbin said that they also had a code that you hoped you never heard. It was 5 rings, a pause, 5 rings, a pause and 5 more rings. This was signaling that a fellow firefighter or responder had lost their life. The honor guard signaled this code today at the service.

Wylie’s bravest and finest pictured about the memorial honoring 9-11. Each badge has the name of a firefighter, EMS responder or police officer that lost their lives on 9-11-01.

Blessed

After the service, Ella couldn’t wait to get to the playground. We played and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon and I was reminded of the joy of innocence.