Grandview resident Jim Jones, from left, Sophia resident Deborah WIlliamson and Flat Top resident Chris McComas sit high atop the Old Soak Road overpass with a good view of Robert C. Byrd Drive as they wait for the Parade of Lights to begin Thursday night. The three have gathered at the same place every year since the Sept. 11 tragedy, and shine flashlights to illuminate their flags when the parade goes by.
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Red, white and blue lights flashed down Neville Street Thursday night. There were no sirens. Other than the low hum of engines, you couldn’t hear a sound.
This wasn’t the scene of an accident. It was a solemn procession of fire departments, police, and emergency medical crews.
The 13th annual Parade of Lights was Thursday and it honored those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Folks from all around had gathered to show their support. They gathered in Jim Word Memorial Park in Beckley, near a memorial that pays tribute to 9/11.
“My family is a part of the Raleigh County Crisis Team,” Tabitha Mays of Beckley said. “We’ve always been a part of the Parade of Lights since it began. I always want to come out here. This is the first time I’m coming out with my daughter. I want her to experience it and once she gets older, I’ll tell her what happened on 9/11 and all the great people who lost their lives.
“I’ll tell her that great people fought for our country, whether it was fighting overseas or a person saving someone in the disaster. I’ll tell her how so many brave souls decided to give their lives for others. Even though they say they were just doing their jobs, they will always be heroes to us.”
Mays said she’ll always remember where she was when the Twin Towers fell.
“I was in my fourth- grade class,” she said. “I remember my teacher turning on the television and there they went. The towers were falling…
