Sept. 9, 2021 -- As vehicles drove through Reid Health's Emergency Department entrance late Wednesday afternoon, the sight there caused many to pause.

Hanging from a pair of large lifts on either side of the drive was a giant American flag. A crew from Beard Masonry Inc. worked to attach the flag and a banner below it. The message:

"Never Forget September 11, 2001"

The flag was donated to Reid by Beard Masonry Inc. President Mike Beard a few years ago from a different project.

"We've been keeping it around for a special occasion," said Jeff Cook, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services at Reid. "The 20-year anniversary of 9/11, it can't be more special than that."

Reid Health's website also will feature a remembrance video created by Global Media Enterprise.

The anniversary holds special significance for Reid Health President/CEO Craig Kinyon, who grew up near New York City. In the late 1970s, Kinyon worked as a part-timer on a small construction project on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center.

"It's still raw in our emotions. When you see it, it takes you right back to how you felt that day. That remembrance is importance. It makes you appreciate the massive loss of life and the humanitarian effort to save those who were injured. There were a lot of heroics to celebrate."

"I could put myself right back in that room at that time," he said. "It's hard to believe 20 years have gone by since the attack. I remember huddling at the hospital when it happened. It was just so unbelievable.

"I have a lot of friends nearby there who thankfully were safe."

Although two decades have passed, the memories of that fateful morning haven't faded.

"It's still raw in our emotions. When you see it, it takes you right back to how you felt that day," Kinyon said.

"That remembrance is importance. It makes you appreciate the massive loss of life and the humanitarian effort to save those who were injured. There were a lot of heroics to celebrate."

The flag will remain on display through Tuesday, Sept. 14.