Silent Memorial Parade Honors 9/11 Heroes in New Bern

A solemn procession known as the 9/11 Silent Memorial Parade will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from Bridgeton to downtown New Bern, North Carolina. This event commemorates the lives lost during the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001. The parade is scheduled to begin at sunset, starting from the Bridgeton Food Lion located at 121 Bridge Town Boulevard.

The Craven County Fireman’s Association, which has organized the event for four consecutive years, aims to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day. According to Jim McConnell, vice president of the association, the parade serves as a reminder that the memory of the victims remains alive. “The slogan — never forget — is not just a phrase; it is a commitment to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11,” he stated.

Emergency service departments are invited to join the parade, which includes firefighters, law enforcement officials, and emergency medical personnel. Participants will display flashing lights as they make their way to downtown New Bern. McConnell noted that participation has expanded to include emergency service departments from neighboring counties such as Carteret, Jones, and Pamlico.

Before the parade commences, participants will gather in the parking lot of the Bridgeton Food Lion to share a moment of prayer. McConnell emphasized the importance of remembering the families of those who perished on that fateful day. “We want to ensure we acknowledge the reason for our gathering,” he said, adding that the evening serves as an expression of gratitude for the commitment of both career and volunteer emergency responders.

Participants are expected to arrive at the Bridgeton Food Lion around 18:30 local time. After waiting for the sun to set, the procession will begin, crossing the Neuse River bridge and entering downtown New Bern via the Alfred Cunningham Bridge. The route will continue north on East Front Street, turning left at the traffic circle onto Broad Street, concluding at the intersection of Broad and First streets.

A crowd usually gathers along the route, particularly between the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County and the traffic circle. This year, the event coincides with Bike MS, a historic bike ride supporting individuals living with multiple sclerosis, which typically attracts many visitors to the area. McConnell pointed out that the overlapping events create a bustling atmosphere in downtown New Bern, contributing to a larger audience for the memorial.

In addition to the Silent Memorial Parade, another commemorative event is scheduled in New Bern at the memorial park adjacent to the New Bern Firemen’s Museum on September 11. Hosted by New Bern Fire-Rescue, the New Bern Firemen’s Museum, and the New Bern Police, this memorial service will begin at 08:46, marking the moment the first plane struck the Twin Towers. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the memorial park by 08:30.

As these events unfold, they serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, and the enduring impact of that day on the lives of many.