A Celebration for Wright County Heroes

On Sunday, September 11, Americans everywhere remembered the 2001 terror attacks. The citizens of Wright County held a solemn service of remembrance for those who gave their lives and also recognized those first responders—police, emergency medical staff, firefighters, and military—who keep our country safe on a daily basis.

The main speaker for the event was Mark Thompson, a Wright County native who enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines in 1977, spent 20 years at sea, and later worked for national counter-terrorism organizations.

“Today, we pay tribute to those who either literally or figuratively run to the sound of the guns,” Thompson said. “Here in Wright County, that same response and responsibility seems to come naturally.”

Thompson said that character that calls for farmers to help their neighbors is the same as that which prompts soldiers, firemen, policemen, and EMS to sacrifice for others. His long years of experience fighting terrorism had acquainted him with many who gave their all to protect America. “These were not Hollywood actors. These people we honor today are the real thing,” Thompson said.

For the full story and more photos, see the September 15 edition of the Wright County Monitor.