MAYFIELD, Ky. — Mayfield’s American Legion Post 26 hosted a lunch on Wednesday at Highpoint Baptist Church for Graves County’s first responders in observation of 9/11.
According to the nonprofit organization’s commander Joe Kimbel, this is a solemn day that honors the lives lost responding to the 2001 terrorist attacks.
From left to right, American Legion Post 26 finance officer Janie Daugherty, second vice commander Jordan Madding, commander Joe Kimbel, and first vice commander Warren Reynolds stand next to a 9/11 memorial sign at the lunch event for first responders on Sept. 11, 2024.
“It’s our way of honoring them for what they do for Mayfield and Graves County because they are a special breed,” Kimbel said. “They answer the call.”
Though American Legion primarily supports veterans and their families, Kimbel said this lunch is a worthy extension that recognizes a similar sacrifice from law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and others who protect the nation from crisis.
“We honor the ultimate sacrifice in veterans, but right here, these guys need to be honored,” Kimbel said. “They need to be shown they are appreciated. We appreciate each and every one.”
First responders fix their plates at the American Legion Post 26 lunch on Sept. 11, 2024.
Kimbel explained that, though this area has not encountered calamity to the degree of 9/11, the day is still an opportunity to celebrate local first responders’ service while memorializing the tragedy more than 20 years ago.
“When you honor the people in this area, you also pay honor to the people in New York City and Pennsylvania where that happened,” Kimbel said.
Kimbel said that American Legion offers a support network in the community. He said the group attends veteran funerals with an honor guard, provides living veterans and other individuals with company and relief, and maintains outreach with meals and charity projects.
Graves County first responders enjoy food and fellowship at the American Legion Post 26 lunch on Sept. 11, 2024.
He highlighted upcoming monuments in Highland Park for veterans in World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War.
Kimbel said American Legion finances the endeavors through fundraising, and he is currently in conversation with county commissioners about rebuilding Post 26 after it was destroyed by the December 2021 tornado.
He said the project will fully restore the American Legion branch as a center of camaraderie in Graves County, which is its main goal.
Mayfield Police Department Chief Nathan Kent echoed the importance of fellowship for first responders at the lunch.
Mayfield Police Department Chief Nathan Kent.
By congregating, he said they and military service members commemorate the people who passed in the line of duty, both locally and in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.
“It’s a wonderful day to bring first responders together,” Kent said. “It keeps the memory of those local first responders alive, and then we also never forget those who died on 9/11 responding to save people in the disaster.”
Kent said upholding the memory of 9/11 charts a way forward with service in the community.
He recalled the anxiety and disarray of working as a trooper on the day more than 20 years ago, learning that the crashing planes were an attack, and being deployed to high-risk targets in the region like the Kentucky dam.
Kent said the experience did not deter him from first response work, but rather emboldened him to preserve American freedoms that were jeopardized.
“What I remember strongly is a feeling of patriotism,” Kent said. “After 9/11, partisan politics seemed to evaporate for some time, and it just reinvigorated me and countless others about what it means to be a free American.”
Today, Kent said it is “uplifting” to witness new recruits continue the legacy of protection in the region and beyond.
“These are dangerous jobs. Historically, they’re not paid what they’re worth,” Kent said. “The people that choose to raise their hand and do this type of work are doing it selflessly, as were each of those who passed on 9/11.”
Kent said support from peers is “critical” in an occupation with a high exposure to trauma. He said the camaraderie among a large group serves as a reminder of their commitment’s importance, despite the toll.
“It doesn’t matter the color of the uniform. They’re like-minded individuals that join for the same reason, to help the community” Kent said.
Will Spencer is a reporter for the Mayfield Messenger.
