The City of Reidsville will unveil a 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the tragic event that rocked our nation.
City officials will gather at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the front of Reidsville Fire Station No. 1, located at 402 S. Scales Street, to unveil the memorial. The sculpture includes a mangled beam from the Twin Towers in New York City and cutouts of first responders sculpted by area artist Jim Gallucci.
While the Reidsville Fire and Police Departments hold a service each year to commemorate 9/11, this year’s ceremony will include the unveiling of the memorial and special remarks by Vice Admiral Bruce Lindsey (ret.), a 1978 graduate of Reidsville High School.
Lindsey retired from the Navy in January of 2020 with 37 years of distinguished service. He is the highest ranking military officer to ever graduate from RHS and his career embodies the sacrifices that many have made during these past 20 years following 9/11.
Reidsville Mayor Jay Donecker will recognize sculptor Jim Gallucci and dedicate the artwork, which will honor First Responders from Reidsville and throughout Rockingham County.
“I am grateful that Admiral Lindsey will take the time to help dedicate this sculpture to all of our First Responders, including those who were lost on 9/11 and those who continually train and serve our community daily. We can’t forget these are all public servants dedicated to keeping us safe,” stated Mayor Donecker.
Traditional elements of the ceremony will remain, including the raising of the flag by a joint Honor Guard of Reidsville Police Officers and Firefighters. In addition to the Ringing of the Bell, the event will feature several patriotic songs performed by Rhonda Wheeler and the playing of bagpipes by David Thomas.
Jim Gallucci, who has donated the sculpture to the City, has been working with local officials to erect the memorial. Rickey Loye, owner of a local construction company, donated his time and equipment to prepare the location and install the sculpture.
The public is invited to attend. The ceremony is expected to last about 45 minutes. While there will be limited seating, those attending are invited to bring chairs. Masks and social distancing are encouraged.