By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The words, “We will remember” were heard in the opening and closing statements of a 9/11 Memorial Walk held on Saturday evening by the Moapa Valley Fire District (MVFD) volunteers.
“Remembered” is what more than fifty attendees did in participating in the walk of roughly 2,977 steps from the Moapa Valley Justice Court through downtown Overton and back again. There was one step for every American life in the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2021. The firefighters, followed by a host of community members, took those steps last week on the 20th anniversary of that fateful day.
The walk started in front of the Overton Community Center where the proceeding began with a word of prayer. The MVFD firefighters in full gear and first responders such as EMTs, law enforcement, military servicemen and local residents joined together in taking the first step, followed by another and then another.
One step, one life. Seventy-one steps were for police lives lost, 8 steps for EMT lives lost, 343 steps for firefighters lost, 55 steps for military lives lost. Then more steps were taken in rememberance of the civilians whose lives were lost. In the end the steps totalled the full 2,977.
First responders took turns carrying the flags: one 5’x8’ American Flag with flags for the firefighters, police, EMT’s, and military marching proudly alongside. Each flag carried by an active or retired person of that department of first responders.
Onlookers sat or stood along the side of the street to see the sight and pay their respects. Vehicles passing by on the main street, pulled over and their passengers paid respects as well.
Some firefighters were so eager to pay tribute that they had to be told to slow down by MVFD Chief Stephen Neel, so that the entire procession would stay together stronger.
“I get into a frame of mind of putting one foot in front of the other, and think of what those firefighters did 20 years ago, that I just go,” said MVFD Assistant Chief Chance Munford.
This annual observance was started three years ago by MVFD Captain Blake Empey. Empey wanted to do something to remember the sacrifice all the heroes of that unforgettable day had performed. The first one was a small gathering of only members of the MVFD Department some first responders, and their families. But the event has grown since then.
“Last year for the 2nd walk it was amazing,” said Blake Empey. “We had a lot of people and everyone lined the streets, walked the walk, and waved their flags. The patriotism was huge.”
Empey noted that this year’s crowd was not as large as that of 2020. But it was still a great turnout.
After the walk, there were four videos and music videos shown portraying the tragic day of terrorism and reliving the heroic efforts of the heroes. At the end, Lee Greenwood with the Air Force Choir sang “God Bless the USA” as everyone sang along and then people retired to their homes.
“You really hit it out of the park,” exclaimed Matt Robison of North Las Vegas, who came out with his wife Sandy to participate in the event.
“It was an awesome turnout!” said Blake Empey. “Great for the 20th Anniversary. I enjoy doing this every year and obviously this is the right community to do this in.”
Appreciation was expressed to MVFD Chief Stephen Neel, Alicia Neel, MVFD Assistant Chief Chance Munford, MVFD Volunteer Bret Empey, MVFD Captain Blake Empey, Samantha Empey, and all the first responders who helped out, supported, and participated. Also thanks to all of the community members and visitors for supporting the cause.
The MVFD has another order of 20th Anniversary 9/11 Shirts. If interested in shirts or volunteering next year, contact MVFD through their social media or by phone.
