Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps present the colors at last year's Walker County Cities on Our Knees at Walker County Civic Center.We all remember what happened 15 years ago on Sept. 11. And although LaFayette resident Lisa Heyer was many miles away from what happened in New York City, she felt compelled to do something in remembrance.
Now, each year on 9/11, Heyer organizes Walker County Cities on Our Knees, a community-wide prayer event to honor the memory of the the day the country changed.
"We wil honor and remember those that have fought, protected us and continue to protect us each and every day," she said of the event, which will take place at the Walker County Civic Center.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the stories of first responders, law enforcement and military men and women.
"This is the time we put aside political differences, denominations, team rivalries and any other differences and come together as one to pray," she said. "The impact of 9/11 extended beyond politics into society and culture in general."
Heyer was inspired to begin the event in 2011, when she was walking and praying for a purpose. Then, through the song "City on Our Knees," by Christian artist TobyMac.
"Our community had been suffering and struggling with sickness, death and young people's tragedies and with controversy over prayer in school and with coaches and their players. And I knew it was time for me to do something," she said. "It hit me as the song says, 'It's got to start somewhere, why not here and it's got to start sometime, why not now?' So, 14 days later, the first annual Walker County Cities On Our Knees started."
Heyer said this year, she anticipates a crowd of residents beyond just Walker County, expecting residents from Hamilton and Catoosa counties as well.
The event will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. at 10052 North Highway 27, in Rock Spring.
People with questions about the event can contact Lisa Heyer at Lisa@LisaHeyer.com.
Email Katie Ward at kward@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6425.