Newton County's official remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30a.m. Sunday in front of the Historic Courthouse.
The event is being sponsored by the county and cities of Covington, Newborn, Oxford and Porterdale and their public safety agencies and is being organized by Main Street Covington.
Retired Covington Fire Chief Don Floyd was very involved in the original 9/11 service held in Newton County, and he will be the master of ceremonies for the 10th anniversary.
The speaker will be Christian author and professor Sean McDowell, who is being hosted by Covington First Baptist Church. He will also speak at the church's 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.
"As a nation we charged ourselves never to forget the events of 9/11. The desire was to create a Service of Remembrance for the 10th Anniversary that included all the municipalities, the county, and all county and municipal public safety agencies," said Main Street Director Josephine Kelly.
"It is to be a time that we remember and honor those lives that were lost in the events of 9/11, to remember those families who lost loved ones, to remember those who were called to service and to express thanks and appreciation to those who continue to protect and uphold the safety and well-being of the nation and our communities. It is also a time to reflect and renew our commitment to the many lessons that were learned from 9/11."
The Atlanta Bagpipe Band will perform Amazing Grace, while the combined band of the three county high schools will perform God Bless America and God Bless the U.S.A. The clock tower bell will ring for three sets of five chimes each to signify the code used by of the New York City Fire Department when a firefighter has died in the line of the duty.
Public safety vehicles will fill the inner ring of the square.
The four mayors from the sponsoring cities will also speak and State Rep. Doug Holt will to close the event.
First United Methodist Church will be having a 9/11 service at 11 a.m.; Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton, Sheriff Ezell Brown, Fire Chief John McNeil and EMS Captain Jack Velchart will participate.
