'Blessed are the peacemakers'

BY SARA VANDEN BERGE sara.vandenberge@empiretribune.com

Stephenville Mayor Kenny Weldon addressed a small crowd who gathered at the courthouse Tuesday morning to remember the victims of 9-11. SARA VANDEN BERGE/E-T

A small gathering of community members met at the flagpole at the Erath County Courthouse for a moment of silence Tuesday to remember those who lost their lives on 9-11.

Stephenville Fire Chief Jimmy Chew talked about the sacrifices firefighters in New York made that day.

"Nine-eleven is a big deal for us," Chew said. "On that day in real time living color we watched people just like us run into those buildings. They didn't know they would never come out."

He urged people never to forget how they felt that day 11 years ago.

Mayor Kenny Weldon said freedoms Americans enjoy should never be taken for granted and praised local fire and police personnel for their service.

"You have a special calling to serve others," Weldon said. "Blessed are the peacemakers. Nine-eleven is a time for us to thank you for what you do to serve our community."