Aurora was proudly represented in New Bern on Friday evening as the Aurora Fire Department participated for the first time in the 9/11 First Responder Silent Memorial Parade. Fire and rescue departments from across Eastern North Carolina gathered in Bridgeton before making the solemn procession across the Neuse River Bridge and into downtown New Bern. The annual parade honors the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and others who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.
This year’s observance carries special weight, marking 25 years since that day. Among the many fire engines and emergency vehicles gathering for the procession were some familiar faces from home. Aurora Fire Chief Kevin Bonner and members of the Aurora Fire Department brought several pieces of the department’s apparatus, including both Aurora’s newer and older fire trucks, along with the department pickup.
For a small town like ours, it was a proud moment, and a meaningful one, as Aurora joined the memorial procession for the very first time. The silent parade is more than a line of fire trucks. It’s a visible reminder of the bond among first responders and of a promise that has echoed across the country since September 11 th… “We will never forget.” Tonight, Aurora was there to help keep that promise. The Town of Aurora thanks Chief Bonner and the members of the Aurora Fire Department for representing our community and for their continued service to Aurora.
