SIKESTON - Nearly everyone remembers where they were when they first heard the news of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. The world stood still as it watched the horrific events unfold - asking, "Why?" Who?"
In just a few days, the world will mark the one-year anniversary of those attacks with many attending remembrance services across the country.
"America will never be the same," said the Rev. John Goss, pastor of the Morehouse Assembly of God Church. "Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 a year ago, virtually all of our lives have changed." Goss said he feels it is appropriate to take time to remember the victims of the attacks and honor the firefighters and police officers who gave their lives while attempting to save the lives of others.
In Sikeston, American flags on city properties will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday.
"A Resolution of Commemoration of the Attacks of Sept. 11 encourages residents of the City of Sikeston to visit the Memorial Wall and to participate in the services that are being planned," said Linda Lowes, director of governmental services in Sikeston.
Today through Tuesday the Memorial Wall is at Veterans Park, where a vigil is planned for 7 p.m. the final day. On Wednesday, the Wall will be moved to the Sikeston Field House, where a memorial service is set to begin at 10 a.m.
The Sikeston Post Office will also fly the flag at half-staff on Sept. 11. Postal employees will gather Wednesday morning for a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.
Churches have also designated special events beginning Sunday in recognition of the nation's loss of a year ago.
"Following the tragedy, churches didn't have the time to prepare for the influx of visitors in worship seeking refuge, hope and answers to the tragedy," said the Rev. Carl V. Addison, pastor of Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston.
The public is invited to attend special remembrance services at 8:15 or 10:40 a.m. Sunday at Tanner Street Church of God, 619 Tanner St.
Illinois Avenue General Baptist Church, 221 Illinois Ave., will dedicate the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday to the Sept. 11 tragedy.
A special 9-11 memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Morehouse Assembly of God Church, 106 N. Scott St.
In commemoration of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., recognition will be given to firefighters, police, military personnel and civil servants.
Special music will be featured during the program.
Area police officers, firemen, veterans of all wars and volunteers who risk their lives for America will be recognized in a special service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Charleston.
The choir will perform "The Land of the Free," "Let Freedom Ring Medley" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" to the accompaniment of pianist Meekee Graham and organist Deidre Reed. Betty C. Hearnes is director of the church music department.
For those unable to attend, the service will be carried live on radio station KCHR 1350 AM.
The public is invited to attend a special "Prayer and Remembrance" worship service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Concordia Lutheran Church, located at Park and Wakefield streets.
A service of remembrance begins at 6:30 p.m. on the anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.
Those who were killed or injured one year ago will be remembered during this time of prayer, reflection and meditation in the Dempster Memorial Chapel, 1307 N. Main St.
The First Baptist Church in Charleston will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday for a prayer vigil.
Members of all faiths are invited to come to the sanctuary for a time of prayer and meditation, to reflect or pray for the victims of the 9-11 tragedy and for the victims of all wars.
"I want to encourage members of our community to come by on their way home from work or school, or come by after your evening meal and take time to pray for our nation and its leaders," said the Rev. Gerald Collier, pastor. Guests will be greeted by youth leaders Kerry and Linda Stokes and members of the church youth group.
Organists from the church will provide continuous music throughout the evening: 3 p.m., Church music director Betty C. Hearnes; 3:30 p.m., Deidre E. Reed; 4:30 p.m., Ray Presson; 5 p.m., Meekee Graham; 6 p.m., Sallie Goodin; 7 p.m., Karen E. Brown; 8 p.m., Terry Parker; and 9 p.m., Melissa Graham and Mary Katherine Branum.