Community to honor first responders on Sept. 11

The Hot Springs Fire Department, the city of Hot Springs and the local Knights of Columbus council have joined forces to commemorate 9/11 by hosting events that honor past and present first responders on Monday.

A free breakfast for first responders will begin at 6 a.m. at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church, 100 Central Ave., followed by a parade featuring first responders and their specialty equipment on Central Avenue at 7 p.m.

The breakfast is sponsored by Squire Circle 5700 youth group, Knights of Columbus Council 6419 and the congregations of both St. Mary's and St. John's churches. The event is chaired by Dayton Myers, a ninth-grader who is chief squire of Squire Circle 5700.

Myers' original idea was to hold a luncheon for all first responders on Sept. 11, but after communicating with first responders in the area, it was decided a breakfast would be ideal.

"(Dayton's) idea was immediately accepted because it was a great idea. Our first responders need all the help and support they can get," Hans Purkott, special events chairman for the Knights of Columbus, said Wednesday.

Mayor Pat McCabe and Purkott are both expected to speak at the event, followed by a ceremony memorializing the events that transpired on Sept. 11, 2001.

A large Southern breakfast with all the trimmings will be served until 9 a.m. On duty first responders who are unable to sit and enjoy their breakfast at the church will be given a to-go plate to enjoy at their convenience.

"If we're going to do this, it's going to be done right," Purkott said.

The parade will proceed from the 100 block of Central Avenue to the 1000 block, and all first responders, military personnel and members of law enforcement are welcome to participate.

"(This is) a respectful demonstration of solidarity between first responders, and a nice way to remember those that died on 9/11," Hot Springs Fire Chief Ed Davis said.

Davis said he got the idea to hold a procession of first responders as a way to get the community to focus on positive things and reflect on the wonderful parts of the country by remembering those who made it all possible through their service and sacrifice.

The Hot Springs Fire Department will lead the procession and parade goers will be able to see the community's heroes and the equipment they use to make our community safer, a news release said.

Those enlisted in the National Guard, volunteer first responders, veterans groups and service organizations supporting the work of area first responders are also welcome to participate.

"We want to put some positive vibes out," Davis said. "We need some positive thoughts, positive words and positive actions. This was just a positive action the fire department could take."

Davis said those interested in participating should contact him prior to the event, to ensure there is space for their apparatus in the lineup. He said he also hopes to see businesses on Central decked out in red, white and blue in support of the procession.

Call Davis at 321-6970 for more information.

Local on 09/07/2017

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