Once again the Delta Health Alliance/Indianola Promise Community, in partnership with the Sunflower County Consolidated School District, facilitated the annual Remembrance and Service Day event in honor of the thousands of victims who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
The program, which took place at Gentry High School, also honored first responders on that day.
The keynote address was delivered by Elizabeth D. Evans, Ph.D. She is currently Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mississippi Valley State University and a retired Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force.
The Gentry graduate and military veteran addressed the chosen theme, “We will never forget.”
Evans told the crowd of more than 500 students and community members that their assembling was occasion for three objectives; to remember the loss, to honor the survivors and never forget the heroes.
She expounded on how a time span of a mere hour and 17 minutes changed the lives of U.S. citizens forever. Evans also referenced statements made in a speech by then president, George W. Bush, who said, “Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.”
She continued with how the lives of everyday, ordinary people were ended by despicable terrorists.
Still quoting from Bush’s speech, she asserted that although those terrorists intended to frighten the nation into chaos and retreat, their efforts failed. Still quoting, she declared, “Our country is strong.”
The Indianola native, who is also a Mississippi Valley State University alumna, has been employed with the university since retiring from the military in 2003.
She was introduced to the crowd by program coordinator Shequite Johnson.
With 24 years in the Air Force, Evans spent the first 20 years of that time in the “Space Operations” career field where she dealt with satellites and their role in the defense of the United States. She excelled at keeping track of earth-orbiting satellites (U.S. and foreign), monitoring and reporting missile launches against the North American continent and planning and monitoring U.S. Space Shuttle mission activities.
The last four years of active military service were spent as the Commander and Chair of the Department of Aerospace Studies, AFROTC at MVSU and leader of the ROTC unit at Delta State University.
Evans said that anytime the American flag is in her presence, she’s at attention and if other military personnel are around it immediately becomes another military gathering.
In addition to Evans, remarks were also rendered by Mayor Steve Rosenthal, Principal Willie Bolden and Superintendent Miskia Davis, who admonished the students to cherish life, honor the sacrifices made and remember, “Treat everyday as if it is your last.”
Friday’s event was also purposed to honor the bravery, dedication and loyalty of firefighters, first responders and law enforcement officers, the ones who worked directly in conjunction with the 9/11 event and those who respond every day. The IPC Social Service Collaborative Resource Fair immediately followed the service.
And later, a special luncheon was held at the Venue on the Bayou to further honor the brave men and women who do so much to serve individual citizens and the country.
