It was 18 years ago today that nearly 3,000 people were killed and another 6,000 injured in the Sept. 11 attacks.
It was a day that defined a generation. And one that can never be forgotten.
Cherryville Fire Chief and Town Manager Jeff Cash still has vivid memories from the aftermath of the tragedy. He helped raise enough money within two weeks of the incident to donate five, 15-passenger Ford Econoline vans.
The following March, he got to see the damage for himself, visiting New York and watching from a bridge as remains were loaded into an ambulance.
“I can close my eyes and see a particular incident where seven body parts or portions of body parts were removed,” Cash said.
Every year since the Cherryville Fire Department has hosted a remembrance ceremony each Sept. 11.
Most high school students now weren’t born at the time, and none remember it firsthand.