It was a ceremony that remembered the terrorists attacks 12 years ago today and the service of first responders — military, firefighters, law enforcement and EMS — not only nationally, but on the local level.

At the end, Roanoke Rapids Fire Chief Stacy Coggins rang a bell at the gazebo in Centennial Park that remembered those who perished and those who serve today.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Jean Reaves explained the purpose for the gathering. “We come here today to say thank you.”

Senior Warrant Operations Warrant Officer James Herring, left, and Training NCO Don Miller bow their heads.

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Roanoke Rapids City Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough said,” There comes a time when thank you is not enough. To the firefighters and police I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Reaves thanked the families of first responders, especially those that volunteer. “We know the families give as much and give their all, too, We thank their families and thank them deeply.”

Kevin Kupietz, the fire and EMS coordinator for Halifax Community College, was the keynote speaker.

Scarbrough speaks as Reaves, foreground, listens.

“There are a lot of heroes in our community but you don't know it,” he said. “Heroes are not necessarily the person that puts their life on the line. In 9-11 we saw a lot of brave actions, facing fear and uncertainty.”

Kupietz said being a hero doesn't necessarily mean fighting a fire or stepping onto a battlefield. It can be something as simple helping out with community efforts. “My wife reminded me that father is not a noun, it is a verb. Without action it means nothing.”

Said Kupietz, “Neighbor means we should check on them, be tolerant and offer words of encouragement. Protector should be a verb, preparer should be a verb.”

Being a hero, he said, means being “willing to take action in the face of fear and uncertainty.”