McKinney, TX – September 13, 2024 – In a moving tribute to the lives lost and the heroes who emerged from the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, along with Leadership McKinney Alumni and over 30 volunteers, placed nearly 3,000 flags at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park. This powerful display serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience of the American spirit.
With the help of around 30 volunteers, the installation served as a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed so much. The flag display not only serves as a visual representation of the grief and heroism of 9/11, but also as a reminder to future generations of the importance of unity and resilience.
In addition to the display, some community members have taken this time to reflect on their personal experiences. Barb Delk, a local resident, shared her story: “I was working in a Call Center in Alabama when I received an alert that troops were being gathered to send to New York for rescue efforts. My kids’ dad was part of that team. He had just one minute to call me and let me know he was being sent to the FL flightline to wait for orders, unsure of when he’d be able to call me again. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming.”
She went on to recount the experience of being locked out of their military base and separated from her children for hours. It would be days before she heard from her husband again, who was spared from being sent to New York as hopes for finding survivors dwindled. Despite the anguish of that time, she shared a deep sense of pride: “Looking back, I was so proud of our nation. How we came together after this horrendous attack, how we unified.”
This personal reflection mirrors the shared sentiment felt by so many in the McKinney community and across the nation: a mix of sorrow for the loss and hope for the unity that arose in its aftermath.
“We are immensely grateful to the Leadership McKinney Alumni and all the volunteers who helped make this event possible. Their efforts in setting up the flags were invaluable, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” said Tami Tobar, a representative from the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s 9/11 Day of Remembrance is a testament to McKinney’s commitment to never forget and to honor the brave men and women whose actions that day, and in the days that followed, changed the course of history.
For more information about the event or to learn how you can get involved in future activities, visit mckinneychamber.com.
Thank you to Celebrate Media for creating this fantastic video!
