The Carthage Fire Department recently held its sixth annual Walk of Remembrance, an event dedicated to honoring the first responders who died on September 11. This year, the department emphasized the message to “carry the memory forward.” The walk specifically recognized each of the 412 rescue workers lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event took place in Carthage, Texas, at the Carthage Bulldog Stadium, which coincidentally features exactly 412 steps, one for each fallen hero.
During the walk, participants ascended these 412 steps, each wearing a nametag and lanyard bearing the name of a fallen first responder. Fire Marshal Randy Liedtke stated that a key mission for this year's event was to ensure every name was honored individually. He noted that in prior years, some participants had worn multiple nametags to cover all the names, but this year the department achieved its objective with sufficient turnout. As each walker completed their ascent, a bell was rung to mark a hero’s ultimate sacrifice. Participant Nan described the physical challenge of the walk, noting it was difficult and hot, and expressed her admiration for the first responders.
Fire Marshal Randy Liedtke recounted his personal memory of September 11, stating he was at work when he heard initial reports of a plane hitting the tower in New York. He watched events unfold on television, expressing that despite the 25 years that have passed since the attacks, it still felt like “just yesterday.” Volunteer Chief Gene Giles underscored the importance of ensuring younger generations understand the significance of that day. He highlighted a demographic reality, noting that over 100 million births have occurred in the United States since 9/11, meaning a large portion of the population was not alive during the event. This perspective emphasizes the department's drive to educate and remember.
The message appears to be reaching the community's youth, including children like Lane, who already envisions a future in public service. When asked by KLTV reporter Katie Parker about his aspirations to become a firefighter like his dad, Lane expressed a desire to help people. This interaction illustrates the generational impact the remembrance efforts seek to foster.
The day’s remembrance activities in Carthage extended beyond the morning walk. Later, additional 9/11 events took place, including a performance of ‘Come From Away’. This production highlights the efforts of Canadians who provided assistance to hundreds of individuals left stranded at a distant airport after flights were grounded across North America on September 11, 2001.
