Friday, Sept. 11, we paused to remember an horrific day in American history.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Director and Lexington County volunteer firefighter William Lynch was honored to attend with many others at a Morning of Remembrance at the 9/11 Memorial in Columbia:

Along with remembering the fallen from that tragic day, first responders and service members who have died in the line of duty or been killed in action were honored.

Among the fallen first responders honored was Lexington County’s own Engineer Paul Quattlebaum, Jr. Attending were Gov. Henry McMaster, USC President Robert Caslen Jr. and Congressman Joe Wilson.

We will never forget that September day and never forget the ultimate sacrifice from our nation’s heroes.

The 9/11 Remembrance Foundation headed by Lexington retired Army Col. Dan Hennigan is dedicated to preserving the memory of those from the Midlands who have made the ultimate sacrifice and assisting military service members and first responders through 4 main programs.

Our Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce held its first “in person” breakfast since the pandemic Sept. 8 at Radius Church. All safety guidelines were carried out including face coverings.

The invocation was given by Rev. Jason Williams of Riverbend Church. Angelle LaBorde was introduced as the new Chamber President and CEO.

Named Ambassador of the Month was Joel Merrill with Flagship Sign Design.

Outgoing board members recognized were: Chip Bagnal – Floor Boys of White Knoll, David Herndon – Herndon Chevrolet, Janet Lehman – Jumper, Carter, Sease, Jana Medlin – Wingate by Wyndham, Georgia Meeks – Spherion Staffing, Marvin Robinson – Ameris Bank, Allison Sanford – LMC, Troy Simpson – MCEC, Michael Weaver – Rogers Townsend, LLC.

The 2020-2021 Board: Angela Klosterman, Chair, Chris Petty, Past Chair, Mike White, Chair Elect, Shawn Stinson, Secretary, Keith Dooley, Treasurer, Tod Augsburger, Regina Brown, Graem Clark, Gary Deese, Anthony Hernandez, Hank Jibaja, Kirk Litton, Austin McVay, Shelley Metropol, Konrad Orzechowski, Trey Powell, Todd Sease, Royce Shannon, Ben Spearman, Misty Stathos, Wally Steinhauser, Shirley Towne, Stephanie Wildrick, Mike Gula, Greg Little, Joe Mergo and Britt Poole.

Stopping by our Lexington County Museum last week, I found Mike Spears receiving guests. They are conducting tours with up to 10 students accompanied by a guide.

Mike said his mother, “Miss” Marge, “is a young 99 and takes no medicine” This is amazing! She is the only known living 1939 graduate of Batesburg High School.

Anne Bull quotes the Farmer’s Almanac: The best fall foliage comes from a wet growing season, followed by a dry autumn filled with sunny days. That reminds me of a passage from Where the Crawdids Sing by Delia Owens. “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”

June Fusco reports her aunt, Anne Johnson, will speak on her book, Our Peace Guardian, Thursday, 7 pm, The Haven, 121 East Main, Lexington. The public is invited.

Happy Birthday to Brittany Owens, David Beaty, Don Taylor, Mac Curfman, Dave Wilson, Dee Pennington, Karl Johnson, William Prickett, Noah Madsen, Suzanne Swaffield, Elaine Taylor, Sofie Taylor, DJ Yandle, Dana Cox, Sadie Curtis, Billy Green, Sr., Alex Miles, Bryan Taylor, Nelson Taylor, Lacy Geary, Mary Keisler, Emma Loney, Louis Rosen, Leonard Carroll, Samantha Hayford, Rhonda Marchant, Jean Millward, Johnnie Peechatka, Frank Ralston, Kim Goff, Wyman Kyzer, Anna Ruiz, Ian Ruiz, Jo Mayer, Ramona Steele, Linda Tivis, Jo Counts, Hugh Guner, Frances Monts, Jacklyn Pate, Nelson Taylor, Marge Carter, Dot Tunstall, Albert Futrell, George LaPierre, Ella Calvert Bouknight, Joan Simpson and JoAnn Whitehead.