Bringing Back Immense Patriotism and Good Will This 9/11

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Where were you on 9/11? I was in bed after having worked a night shift on patrol. My phone rang, and it was my mother, Are you watching the news?  

I could tell in her voice something was not right. Why, whats going on? I asked. She indicated two planes had struck the World Trade Center buildings. I told her I would call her back, and I went to the living room to turn on the television.

I remember trying to process what I was seeing and trying to make logical sense of what had just occurred. In disbelief, I watched as the tragedy unfolded. The following day, I was at a class at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. At lunch, I went to a drive-through for some food and then picked up a newspaper. As I sat in my car reading the paper, I noticed there were absolutely no airplanes in the sky. I watched for several minutes as the cool air blew through the car and the clouds passed by, but no aircraft. It was a rather surreal moment.

Over the next few days and weeks, I remember the outpouring of support for all public safety. People dropped off food at the precincts, waved to us more than usual, and the American flag was displayed on homes, businesses, and vehicles. The level of American pride was tremendous.  

When I reflect on that day and the weeks that followed, I cant help but think of how different America is today. What has changed? I am sure we can all point a finger in any direction to find an answer. You can turn to most any news media outlet and see mostly negative images. Political views, false narratives, disrespect, and a laundry list of other things have caused our nation to appear fractured.

I wonder if we can find that same love and respect without a national tragedy to bring us together. Yet, when I look at our community, I think we have a lot of good things going on in Cherokee County. I am sure others feel the same way about their communities. So, maybe things arent so bad after all.

This anniversary, I am going to revisit that patriotism I felt on 9/11. I am going to go purchase a new American flag and hang it on my front porch. I am going to drop off something nice for our safety personnel and tell them how much I appreciate the job they do. Its the little things that often make their day.

I am going to spend more time letting people know how much I appreciate their friendship and tell my loved ones how much they mean to me. I challenge you to do the same. Maybe our collective goodwill will make a difference in the lives that touch us and so on. With that said, I appreciate you, and I am glad you are a member of our great community.

It is an honor to serve as your sheriff, and I consider it a blessing to serve our community.