09/11/2026
Every year on September 11th, we like to take a moment to show our appreciation for the people who serve and protect our communities. Military members and First Responders receive FREE admission to Cypress Falls Swimming Hole as our small way of saying thank you.
Last night 25 years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work the next morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift of saving lives.
None of them saw past 10:00 a.m. on September 11, 2001.
In one single moment, life would never be the same.
Tonight, as you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, hug a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.
Today, we also take a moment to honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
Gerald Loerch is a member of our community who shared his story of service with us:
He entered the United States Army on Oct 30, 1961. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and truck driver training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he served at Fort Hood, Texas, delivering ammunition to artillery units in the field before going on to serve as a ballistic meteorologist, providing weather information for artillery units.
During his service from 1962–1964, he participated in Operation Airlift in Germany, desert training in Blythe, California, and amphibious training in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
He rose through the ranks from Private to Specialist Five (E-5), and was honorably discharged on October 30, 1964.
When asked about his time in the Army, he simply said:
“I enjoyed my duty while serving in the United States Army, and I would do it all over again for my country.”
Today, we remember those we lost on Sept 11, 2001. We honor the heroes who ran toward danger, and we are grateful for every person who has served—and continues to serve—our country.
Thank you for your service.
Still We Rise. Never Forget. 🇺🇸