Sept. 11, 2001, is a day many remember well. To keep the memory of those that were lost alive, Americans gather every year to honor those people.

North Vernon Vet 2 Vet, which has been fundraising for one of their programs benefiting veterans since Monday, hosted an event Wednesday outside of Seymour’s Walmart Supercenter. Special guests also delivered speeches about that historical day.

Seymour resident Willie Steele, a member of Vet 2 Vet and cashier at Walmart, put together both the fundraising efforts and the honoring of those lost during 9/11.

Those dressed in Walmart blue came out of the store to listen in. As the program continued, those in the parking lot and coming in and out of the store stopped to join the opening Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the pledge, Steele recalled when each tower was hit and how the Pentagon was next.

“We did not allow that plane to reach the Pentagon. That’s called warrior spirit,” he said. “That is why we are here.”

Landon Lee, 11, of Seymour sang The National Anthem. Steele said Lee was excited to be a part of this program, having sung for similar events before. To arrive at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Lee decided to miss some of the beginning of his school day to be able to contribute.

Chaplain Gary Dyer with Veterans of War Post 1925, Seymour, started his speech about Sept. 10, 2001, with a theme flowing throughout his words — preparation.

“I went to sleep last night, preparing for what I was gonna do today, and thank God the Lord woke me up for this,” Dyer said.

Two hundred and 46 passengers. 2,606 workers. 343 firefighters. 60 police officers. Eight paramedics.

These were the people that put their head on their pillows, expecting to hop on their flights and go to their jobs, he said. Unfortunately, they couldn’t have been prepared for what happened the next day.

“None of these people, precious people, saw past 10 a.m. on September the 11th, 2001,” Dyer said. “In one single moment, life may never be the same.”

Dyer, a Seymour resident and a Army veteran of the Vietnam War, wrapped up his speech by reminding everyone to not take their lives or the lives of their loved ones for granted.

Steve Bertram, the chaplain of North Vernon Vet 2 Vet 2, led the group in prayer.

During his speech, Bertram focused on his faith in God and the importance to vote. Emphasis was made on the tendency for history to repeat itself and that, in our current political climate, it is crucial to express what you believe with your vote. Thinking on his faith, he said that after 9/11, he noticed church attendance rose.

“People started thinking about their mortality,” he said. “You know, we live as though we’re never gonna die. […] But we know that we’re all gonna die.”

He beckoned the group to pick up a Bible and go out to the polls, saying “discovering the truth” is the way to make the best decision. There was an air of caution to his words as he tried reminding people that anything can happen if the American people aren’t paying attention, such as a similar tragedy.

“I’m not trying to tell you how to vote. I’m just telling you what you need to do is be aware of what’s going on around you,” Bertram said.

Steele closed the program by making their purpose clear and the importance of recognizing 9/11 every year.

“To ensure we never forget and let our guard down,” he said.

To support Vet 2 Vet’s efforts and learn more about their organization, visit NorthVernonVet2Vet.org. For questions about getting involved, contact Willie Steele by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 812-292-0008.