MORNING HEADLINES | People across the Lowcountry this week are remembering and honoring 18 people who lost their lives in 2007 and 2015 tragedies that gripped the nation.
Wednesday marked the 11th anniversary of the massacre at Charleston’s Emanuel A.M.E. Church in which nine worshippers died at the hands of a racist gunman. Meanwhile, today is the 19th anniversary of West Ashley’s Sofa Super Store fire in which nine Charleston firefighters died.
At midnight, members of the Charleston Fire Department began a 24-hour vigil at the Charleston 9 Memorial Park adjacent to a fire substation on Savannah Highway in West Ashley. It’s an annual tradition that honors the nine firefighters who died in the June 18, 2007, fire that engulfed the store and made national headlines.
On Wednesday, Emanuel A.M.E. Church held its annual day of remembrance with prayer, reflection and this year’s theme of courage “Out of many, we are one.”
Emanuel’s pastor, the Rev. Eric Manning, said the support of the community 11 years after the tragedy showed the church that it wasn’t alone: “We are a community and though this horrific event took place here at Mother Emanuel, the members and founders continue to heal through their process, and it is always encouraging when the community comes together and rallies.”
Meanwhile, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell said in a statement that the events that happened at the church didn’t define Charleston: “They reveal who we are: resilient and compassionate. In times of tragedy, we find community, and that is what I witness during this week, year after year, in the Holy City.”
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Around town
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
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