COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX) - -- As the nation prepares to honor our servicemen and women on the anniversary of September 11, the same is happening in the Midlands.
At 6:00 p.m.,there will be a ceremony at the First Responders Memorial at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The memorial honors the first responders who have died in service since September 11, 2011. This year, four more fallen heroes will be remembered.
There will be a special presentation of colors and military fly-over. The Army Band, Boy Scouts, and other organizations have gotten involved.
"It's all about remembering the fallen heroes and the first responder's families," said Daniel Hennigan, the memorial's founder. "We're joining hands with them and never forgetting their loved ones."
For family members, it is particularly meaningful to have this memorial in the Midlands.
My brother was in the tower that the beams come from," said Dawn Yamashiro. "The only time I've been able to go to New York was for the 1st year anniversary. I feel much closer coming here downtown instead of sitting in the house."
Two beams from ground zero are part of the memorial. They are mounted next to a replica of the Twin Towers.
"The Twin Towers are resolve. The pieces that are cut off that are resting on the ground between the beams are so we never forget our fallen heroes," said Hennigan. "The beams are crossed to show that we are a nation of one and we are united."
Families will begin to gather at the Memorial at 5:30pm on Tuesday. For more information, visit www.scremembers911.com