25th Annual 9/11 Tour to pass schools across Avoyelles

Avoyelles Parish first responders will once again travel across the parish on Friday, Sept. 11, for the annual 9/11 Memorial Tour honoring the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the memorial tour, which brings together fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders for a parishwide convoy.

The tour is designed to pass through communities and by schools across Avoyelles Parish, giving students, residents and businesses an opportunity to stand along the route, wave American flags and show support for first responders.

The convoy is scheduled to begin at the Avoyelles Parish 911 Center, 272 Industrial Blvd. in Mansura, at 8 a.m. From there, participants will travel through Simmesport, Moreauville, Plaucheville, Cottonport, Evergreen, Bunkie, Hessmer, Mansura, Marksville and Effie.

Scheduled school stops include Riverside Elementary, Avoyelles High, Sacred Heart School, Plaucheville Elementary, St. Joseph Catholic High School, Cottonport Elementary, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Bunkie High, St. Anthony School, Bunkie Elementary, LaSAS, Avoyelles Public Charter School, Marksville Elementary, Marksville High, Nazarene Christian Academy and Lafargue Elementary.

Organizers are encouraging residents along the route to come outside, display flags and help mark the anniversary.

The annual tour serves as both a remembrance of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and a public show of appreciation for the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and other first responders who continue to serve their communities.

Residents are encouraged to watch for the convoy throughout the morning and join in the commemoration as it passes through their community.