DeltaArts ‘Badges of Honor’ celebrates first responders
Event held on 9/11 honored first responders past and present
By DONALD WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
Last week, Delta Arts held a special event to honor and commemorate _rst responders on the anniversary of September 11. The event was _lled with activities for children to show their appreciation and learn more about the important role that _rst responders play in our community.
Kids were provided with blank paper badges at school, where they were able to draw, color, or write stories to show their gratitude for _rst responders. These badges were then displayed at the event as a token of appreciation.
“I was just overwhelmed with the turnout, both the number of kids and _rst responders who came to show support.” said event organizer Renee Rainey, “I think they really enjoyed the messages the kids wrote. We often say ‘thank you for your service’, but we rarely get to tell them in person.”
The highlight of the event was a living art display featuring around 18 pieces of art that told the story of September 11. The artwork was carefully curated to ensure that it was not too graphic for the young audience but still effectively conveyed the importance of the day.
“Our _re and EMS personnel thoroughly enjoyed DeltaArt’s Badges of Honor.” said Division Chief Bob Mabe, “The tokens of appreciation from our local youth were a colorful reminder of how Americans can use the power of art to remember and honor the past while healing and growing into the future. We appreciate wonderful events like this that bring our community and _re_ghters together!”
Over 30 kids participated in the event, and the turnout of _rst responders was overwhelming, with standing room only. First responders mingled with the children, taking photos, chatting, and answering questions about their roles and experiences. The kids had a chance to learn _rsthand what it means to be a _rst responder and to express their gratitude in
See BADGES, page A2
Event organizer, Renee Rainey, spoke highly of WMFD Division Chief Mabe in our interview.
Photos submitted
Inspector Malik Walker couldn’t resist the chance to entertain the crowd by tickling the ivories.
From page A1
person.
In a statement to The Times, West Memphis Police Chief Robbin Campbell said, “I really enjoyed the Delta Arts First Responders tribute because the children really drew some nice, colorful imaginative pictures. 9/11 is not a day for sadness, but a day of remembrance where we celebrate and give honor to all of the superheroes of that tragic, historic day.We have all grown accustomed to patriotism on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. But on this day, September 11, the American flags that fly at your homes, that are strung from highway overpasses, and just like the ones that flew from the fire trucks behind us reminded us that September 11 gave birth to a new, unofficial holiday for Americans to show pride, patriotism and solidarity as one great Nation United.”
Rainey expressed her delight at the success of the event and expects it to be even bigger and better next year.
Editor’s Note: See more photos from the event on Page 10.
Mayor McClendon stopped by to pay his respects to first respond-Dozens ers.
Photos submitted
of children made badges for our local first responders.
