By STEPHEN DAWKINS

Staff Writer

HOOVER – Hoover’s Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 12 remembered those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while also honoring others who have sacrificed for their country.

The ceremony was held beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Hoover Fire Station No. 2.

The traditional Patriot Day ceremonies were observed at all city fire stations on Sept. 11, with short ceremonies at the respective station flag poles.

About 150 people attended the formal ceremony on Sept. 12, including members of the Simmons Middle School Choir, who performed the National Anthem.

Many local and state public officials were in attendance and were recognized along with Hoover Fire Chief John C. Wingate.

Hoover Fire Department Executive Officer Rusty Lowe introduced the keynote speaker, Hoover firefighter paramedic Rob Gwin.

Gwin, who recently returned from military deployment and is a technical sergeant for the U.S. Air Force 117th Tactical Reserve, told attendees about Hoover resident Thomas Rivers.

Rivers, a lance corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps, was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.

Gwin said Rivers’ close friend in the Marines read Psalm 91:1 to him after the explosion: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

After their son’s death, Rivers’ parents, Tom and Charon, set up the “Support Our Troops” mission, which provides care packages for troops.

Gwin said he was the recipient of one of the packages from the organization.

“I couldn’t help but smile when I knew this package came from Hoover, Alabama,” he said.

Gwin said he felt the need to “do something” and flew an American Flag over Hoover Fire Station No. 3. He presented the flag to Tom and Charon Rivers during the Patriot Day ceremony.

Lowe recognized two other Hoover families who had lost children during military service: Kenneth and Renee Hand, and George and Mary Nell Winslow.

The ceremony concluded with a traditional firefighter bell ceremony and a moment of silence, and a reception followed the ceremony.