Pastor Dill has rallied a team of organizers, planners, and supporters to create an hour of Patriotism with education in mind. Representatives from twenty high schools in the Smith County Area will rise early and be stationed on the square by 7 a.m. on September 11, 2017. The sounds of Patriotism and yes,  we will all recognize the fragrance of patriotism whether real or in our imaginations.

We will remember. And to those too young to recall, they will never forget this day of remembrance. All of the attendees and participants will remember the day in September on the Square in downtown Tyler. The day when flags will wave, drums will roll, voices will join in harmony to the anthem we adore, and all our eyes will rise to the sky as 412 balloons with names of the fallen First Responders and the Chaplain are released.  We will once again look to the heavens.

“Revitalization of Patriotism” Event will take place on Monday, September 11th at seven in the morning to remember that tragic day, in 200l. Twenty Smith County High Schools with 20 students from each school will join many First Responders, Emergency Management Personnel, City and State Officials, and yes, you and yours to gather on the Square a little after sunrise to remember that infamous day.

Why is it necessary to remember? The word “remember”  is often used as a noun which relates to a flash of understanding. Or perhaps the action of remembering the past event and or the lives lost, especially in a ceremony. It is a time for commemoration, a memory,  or a day of recognition. The Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council has joined a team of Smith County professionals in supporting this event as it links us with our partners and coalitions.

As the team gathered in many meetings to organize this event, it was evident that Pastor Dill diffuses a deep passion for honoring those who are constantly in the line of danger yet they walk straight forward to protect our nation, our cities, and our Smith County citizens. Smith County High School students will release balloons with the names of the 412 New York City Responders and a Chaplain who lost their lives during the Twin Tower incident on that infamous 9-11 Day. A procession of Sheriffs, a Chaplain, First Responders, Firemen, Policemen, Helicopter and Emergency Responders will join the Planning Team to honor those who gave their lives in September 200l. The intent is to Revitalize Patriotism in our county.

Our State Senator and State Representative, our Smith County Sheriff, Police Chief and Fire Chief of Tyler will make statements. How can we not bring this to the classroom students to help them have a better understanding of the story of the country they call home?

Can you only imagine the “Fragrance” on the streets of New  York City at that time in September? Not the usual aroma of Starbucks or freshly baked bagels. Oh how removed were those smells. Death, smoke, fire, debris, pandemonium in the streets as the towers collapsed, and life ended for so many; including 412 responders, and our nation was changed forever.

Will you join your fellow citizens of Smith County and students and teachers from twenty high schools, on September 11 at 7:00 am on the Square in downtown Tyler, to recall and honor those first responders; police and firefighters and a Chaplain who thought their life nothing when they entered the towers to rescue those who were destined for death without their aid?

September is a month of change! I looked out my garden room window to find that a limb of our Dogwood tree has leaves with a touch of red and gold and it isn’t even the Fall Season. The seasons change so swiftly. Life changes swiftly. I know this first hand. Next month I will share my story with you. “The Fragrant Hours” in BSCENE’s November/ December Issue.

For now, let’s remember what the Bible tells us about life. James 4:14, The Message Bible, ” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing:’ And the Modern English Version Bible states James 4:14 like this, “For as you do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is just a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away.”

So as we gather to Revitalize Patriotism, let’s remember we only have today. What will be your fragrance on the day of September 11,  2017, at seven as we remember? Revitalization of Patriotism Team: James Dill: Captain of the Team; Heather Stoner, Sharon Guthrie, Beth Powell, Courtney Smith, Tricia Miller, City of Tyler Police Department, Tyler Fire Chief: David Coble; Jim Wheatley, Jim Snow, and Col. Hugh Adams have been the active committee participants. Also, Flight for Life Helicopter and so many high school teachers and students, Chaplains and EMS Providers are contributing their time. Media and Event Supporters are as followers: Scott Stilley (KLTV), Jill Smith (KVN E}, Korn Pop McCullough, Chick-Fil-A, Shane Payne Sound, and RAC-G.