Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department, Murfreesboro Police Department, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Fire Rescue and Middle Tennessee State University’s Army ROTC Cadets are jointly hosting a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 9, at 9:00 am (9/9 at 9).
The ceremony will pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy just before the 15th Anniversary.
Honor Guards from each agency will join at various meeting points and unite on Murfreesboro’s Public Square at the site of the Fallen Firefighter and Police Memorials. Attendees are urged to arrive to the event 10-15 minutes before 9:00 am in order to witness the impactful march
Master of Ceremonies Bart Walker will lead the crowd through the program. There will also be a live broadcast and podcast from WGNS Radio for those that cannot attend.
Local artist, Taylor Bennett, will sing the National Anthem, followed by remarks from Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks and Police Chief Karl Durr. The keynote speaker for the event is decorated war veteran Staff Sergeant Joshua Forbess (see bio below).
“Several of our brothers and sisters gave their lives that day in an attempt to save others,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. “Please join us as we take a moment to remember the day we will never forget!”
HONOR GUARD ROUTES (Traffic control in place provided by MPD)
Beginning at East Main Street past MFRD Headquarters on South Spring street turning right onto East Sevier Street to the MPD headquarters then traveling north on S Church Street and proceeding across W Vine St to S Public Square.
Staff Sergeant Joshua Forbess
SSG Josh Forbess was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois and enlisted into the Army on 27 July 1995. He conducted his Basic Individual Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in an One-Station Unit Training (OSUT) environment for the Mission Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 13B Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember. SSG Forbess has been assigned to 2nd Howitzer Battery, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the Medical Transient Detachment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany.
SSG Forbess was severely injured on 15 November 2003 when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided over Mosul, Iraq after coming under ground fire. He was burned on his face, scalp, and arm, had multiple bone fractures, and suffered from severe smoke inhalation. He spent approximately two months in a medically induced coma. After awaking, SSG Forbess had many obstacles to overcome. He needed multiple reconstructive surgeries, had to learn how to walk and use his hands again, and had to learn how to cope with being the sole survivor from his section. SSG Forbess accepted his injuries and has since continued to try and assist other Warriors that have been wounded. He has spent time as an Ombudsman, the NCOIC of the Fort Campbell Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC), and most recently assisted Warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center with the Wounded Warrior Resiliency Program.
SSG Forbess has been deployed in support of Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia from 1997-1998, Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo during 2001, and to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. His list of awards includes: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (bronze star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Medal (2nd Award), and the NATO Medal (2ND Award).
