North Myrtle Beach Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 Attacks

The North Myrtle Beach community gathered to observe the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks during an annual memorial ceremony at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. Hosted by the local Lions Club at the complex’s war memorial, the solemn gathering drew approximately 300 residents, local officials, and visitors.

The ceremony featured traditional honors and tributes to those who lost their lives in 2001. A color guard from the North Myrtle Beach High School Junior ROTC program marched during the event, and an honor guard performed a 21-gun salute under a large American flag. Madelyn Esposito sang the National Anthem, the first verse of "Amazing Grace," and later led the audience in "God Bless America."

As part of the tribute, North Myrtle Beach Police Chief Dana Crowell and North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief John Galganski placed a memorial wreath provided by the Lions Club. Firefighters performed a solemn bell salute to honor first responders, including the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony concluded with a bugler playing Taps.

North Myrtle Beach Mayor J. Baldwin delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost during the ordinary Tuesday morning twenty-five years ago. The Rev. Greg Hyler of First Baptist Church and master of ceremonies Nils Regnell of the Lions Club also spoke, emphasizing the responsibility of remembering the sacrifices made and ensuring the victims' memories are preserved.

The annual ceremony at the Sports Complex serves as a standing location for Grand Strand residents and first responders to pause, reflect, and pay respect each year.