All around the nation people took time to remember and reflect on the tragic events that took place eight years ago. Residents of Jacksonville also gathered to pay respects and to honor the victims and their families.

Jacksonville State University and the Department of Military Science held their September 11th Ceremony on the front lawn of Bibb Graves Hall. Cadet Battalion Commander CDT LTC Bobby Hill reminded the crowd why it is important to remember.

"In the busy world we live in, it is easy to take for granted the vast freedom and privileges that are afforded to each of us as Americans. But, on this day we chosen to pause and take the opportunity to look back and remember all the sacrifices that have been paid for by the lives of so many innocent people and acknowledge that in no way is freedom free. Today we gather not only to remember the fallen, but to pay our respects," said Hill.

Congressman Mike Rogers was in attendance.

"The things that have been most important to me since that day is first to make sure that we never let it happen again and next to make sure we never forget how it felt on that day," said Rogers.

The congressman went on to praise the Department of Homeland Security and the safety it has provided for the public. Rogers said that he hoped that on this day we would remember the brutal attacks and get angry.

"I hope you get real mad and I hope you stay that way until next year when we light that fire again, because as long as we will maintain that feeling inside, we will do what it takes to make sure we are not attacked again," said Rogers.

University Police Department Chief Shawn Giddy also spoke at the event. Giddy reminded the audience to pray for the victim's families.

Captain Chris Collins, from the Anniston Fire Department challenged the crowd.

"We can never allow our children to forget what happened that day and we can never allow the next generation to take for granted maybe what we taken for granted, our freedoms and liberties that don't come at a small price," said Collins.

A few miles down the road one school was taking up that challenge as 620 elementary school students dressed in red, white, and blue clothes sat in the gym of Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Most of the kids were too young to remember the details of that day like adults do. Some were not even born yet. They all sat intently listening to the stories that the teachers and guest told about that day.

Staff Sergeant Roland Rodriguez was one of those guests and his son, who goes to Pleasant Valley, introduced him. Rodriguez explained what took place to the kids.

"For you young kids who don't understand or know what I am talking about, you will read it in your history books, I promise. It will be in the history books," said Rodriguez. He talked about the changes that have been made because of 9/11. He pointed out to the kids how this event affects them today.

The city of Jacksonville held its own Memorial Service as well. The service was moved to the community center due to the weather. Mayor Johnny Smith welcomed everyone.

"It seems appropriate that in this gathering on the anniversary of that date that we pay tribute to all the men and women that thought their service in the military protect the freedom we have in this county," said Smith.

Sherri Summers, president of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, recognized the family of Major Dwayne Williams.

"When we face tragedy and sorrow in our lives, we have choices to make. You can become bitter, you can give in to despair, or we can follow the example of the Williams family and find meaning out of the sorrow. We thank them for what they done for this community; for not only the service of their son but for the example they set for all of us," said Summers.

The Williams family lost Dwayne eight years ago when a plane flew into the northwest wall of the Pentagon in Washington. Since then Pearl Williams, mother of Major Williams, has organized a memorial service almost every year.

One way that the Williams family continues to honor the memory of their son is to identify young people who exhibit the values demonstrated by their son. Brody Jones, a sixth grader from Kitty Stone Elementary was selected the winner of the Dwayne Williams Citizenship Award this year by showing values like honor, bravery, courage, and devotion.

Commissioner Rudy Abbott and JSU President Dr. Bill Meehan gave tributes to Major Williams, other victims, and local first responders.

Colonel Charles D. Keith Jr., a commander at Alabama Military Academy, spoke and shared a devotional from a Navy journal that was his grandfather's from World War II. He found it by chance after 9/11. When he picked the book up, he turned to September 11th by chance. He shared what was on the page. It was a devotion titled "Chosen to Suffer" and came from Acts 5:41. The devotion says, "Great causes such as liberty chooses men who are big enough to suffer, and it's though them who suffer that great cause that victory comes. In theses days the great cause of liberty is again choosing men to suffer for its sake."

Keith ended by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you, we will never forget all of those who perished on September11th, 2001."

Jacksonville High School honored local first responders at the football game. Before the game started, local firemen, police, and military walked on the field. The Jacksonville Exchange Club handed out American flags to the crowd. As the flags waved, a parachutist floated down to deliver the game ball.