Fallen Hero Memorial in Big Spring
By: Stephanie Sobic
Updated: September 9, 2010
It's hard not to get emotional when you think back to 9-11. Personally, everyone has a story of where they were or what they were doing when America was under attack.
This Saturday marks the day our country was under attack 9 years ago. As our nation prepares to honor those who have lost their lives, locally we are too.
Everyone we asked knew exactly what they were doing the morning of September 11th 2001. When they heard America had been attacked.
"Shock, just pure shock. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought the world was coming to an end, I really did."
"A bunch of us gathered up in the conference room and then all of a sudden the next one hit."
"Just talking about it, just brings back memories, there's nothing good about it."
Vietnam Veteran Mike Tarpley says there are no good memories from that day, but he will always remember those who lost their lives because of it. Tarpley started a memorial at the Big Spring Mall. Hanging ribbons in honor of the fallen soldiers, firefighters and policemen from 9-11 attacks.
"At the top of each ribbon is never forgotten, which is very significant because as a combat soldier, one of the worries is if you die in combat will people remember me?’," says Tarpley.
Earlier this week, Tarpley covered each ribbon and on September 11th they will be uncovered so each fallen hero is remembered.
"When that mother and dad come up and hug you with tears in their eyes and say thanks for not letting them be forgotten. You know we're going to have it again next year," says Tarpley.
On Saturday there will be a special 9-11 Memorial at the Big Spring Mall to honor our fallen heroes. It’s at 6:30.
Here is a list of those honored in the Memorial:
Sgt. Conrad Alvarez
Steve Evrad
PFC Clayton Henson
PFC Kristian Menchaca
PFC Chad Metcalf
Staff Sergeant Clinton Newman
SPC Robert J. Volker
SPC Braden Long
All Americans who lost their lives on
