Sylva to hold 'March for American Unity'

By Lynn Hotaling

The March for American Unity, an event scheduled in remembrance of those lost and injured in terrorist attacks last week and in honor of the heroes of the rescue effort, will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. through downtown Sylva.

The march will also honor county fire departments, law enforcement and rescue squad personnel, said Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver. County emergency response personnel collected more than $31,000 this past weekend for victims in New York and Washington.

Saturday's event is a response to requests for "a service or ceremony honoring victims of last week's terrorist attacks," Mayor Oliver said. "It seemed appropriate that we do that."

Saturday's march and vigil is a joint effort of county and town officials.

"The people of Jackson County are strong, caring and resilient," Oliver said. "We want to offer this time to our citizens to reflect on the events of last week, to honor the heroes involved in the rescue effort and to pray for justice for the perpetrators of these unspeakable acts. We must act with resolve to support our government and promote patriotism."

Participants in Saturday night's walk will include a colorguard from the N.C. National Guard, AmVets, American Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and school groups, Oliver said.

Anyone who wants to join the march is welcome, she said, and should meet at the town parking lot on Railroad Avenue at 6:30 p.m. The March for American Unity will start at 7 p.m. Children who join the march are encouraged to make their own American flags to carry, Oliver said.

The candlelight service on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse will begin at 8 p.m.; those participating in the service are asked to bring candles.

If parking is inadequate at the Railroad Avenue lot, overflow parking will be available at Sylva Presbyterian Church, Sylva Church of Christ and Lifeway Church, the mayor said.

Cherokee's event to honor emergency response personnel who perished as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks will be Sunday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Fire Department. The brief ceremony will include presentation of the colors, speakers, songs, prayers and a wreath-laying.

"The public is invited to take part in this ceremony as we show our support, respect and admiration for those fallen as well as to our country," a spokesman said.

Dillsboro's effort on behalf of the victims of last week's tragic attacks centers around a memorial book, which will be delivered to New York City in two weeks. The book is available at the town's visitor information center from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday.

"Those of us in Dillsboro talked about what we could do in wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy, and we decided to have a memorial book for folks to sign," said longtime Dillsboro resident Emma Wertenberger. "Everybody is invited to stop by and write down their thoughts."

Back to Archive: 09/20/01.