BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

The Town of Mooresville, in partnership with the Mooresville-Lake Norman Exchange Club and Richard’s Coffee Shop, remembered the lives lost on September 11, 2001, on Wednesday during the town’s annual 9/11 Memorial Walk.

Participants walked from Richard’s Coffee Shop, a popular gathering spot for local veterans, to Liberty Park, where several people remembered the events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked and crashed four commercial jets in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Exchange Club President Marlo Mikeal welcomed everyone, calling the 23rd anniversary of the attacks a day of reflection and remembrance.

“There was 3,000 innocent lives lost,” she shared.

President-Elect Angela Greene followed with the invocation, explaining the need to “honor the value of life.”

Member Arturo Alvarez recalled watching as one of the hijacked planes was flown into the second tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. He was in history class at the time.

The 37-year-old veteran said that he felt many emotions that day, including sadness, confusion, and vulnerability. It was also defining moment that inspired him to serve his country for as long as he lives.

“Something sparked in me,” he said. “Well into my years I will remain willing because I never forget.”

Mooresville Fire-Rescue Chief Curt Deaton and Mayor Chris Carney also spoke about the importance of remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. A total of 343 New York firefighters were among those who lost their lives.

“It changed everything,” Deaton said. “It was everyone’s worst day.”

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