"We want to bless you and thank you for all that you've done and we also want to remember what happened on 9/11 and give honor to those who sacrificed." Says Rev. Joseph Purl Panama City Police Chaplain

8 years ago when the united states was under attack, terrorists took away 2 monumental buildings in New York City and left behind a chilling date we all know as September 11th.

"I was on duty that day when they fell, you would never think that anything that size or magnitude would fall like it did, it was humbling." Says Captain Shawn Boyett of the Panama City Fire Department

For some, it was a day that seemed too scary to be real but as many innocent people died in New York City, at the pentagon, and on united airlines flight 93, emergency crews put their lives on the line, and many were lost.
Citizens in Panama City are taking the time to thank their first responders for protecting their community.

"It gives people time to look back and reflect, we should never forget the losses that occurred on September 11th." Says Chief John Van Etten of the Panama City Police

Also honoring the fallen heroes are young children, some born after September 11, 2001, and other too young to remember, but are learning about it through history books.
"There’s this test we were doing and my mom was showing me pictures of what happened. I felt sorry for the people that did die, let them rest in peace." Says 10 year old Katelyn Colbert

This Thursday marks the official 8th anniversary of September 11th.
There will be several memorials held on Thursday including one for Bay County at the Panama City Mall, and a parade put on by the patriot guard riders will start in Dothan from the old porter’s square shopping center at 9 am.