25 Years Later: Avoyelles Remembers Sept. 11

Archival pages from Sept. 20, 2001 captured how Avoyelles Parish residents, schools and public officials responded in the days after the terrorist attacks.

In the days following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Avoyelles Parish responded with prayer, patriotism and concern.

The Sept. 20, 2001 editions of The Bunkie Record and The Marksville Weekly News captured several of those moments.

In Marksville, parish officials, sheriff’s office employees and community members gathered outside the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office to pray for the victims, their families and troops who might be called to duty.

At LaSAS, teacher Amy Coco spoke with students about the attacks and the nation’s response. Before the Marksville-Bunkie football game, Bunkie players and coaches stood together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

At Cottonport Elementary, students created a “God Bless America / United We Stand” display surrounded by flowers.

The newspapers also asked local residents for their thoughts. Their comments reflected concerns about airport security, air travel and what the attacks could mean for the country.

Twenty-five years later, those images and words remain a reminder of how Avoyelles Parish responded to a national tragedy with faith, unity and reflection.

PRAYER IN MARKSVILLE

PRAYER IN MARKSVILLE - In the days after Sept. 11, parish leaders, sheriff's office employees and others gathered in prayer outside the sheriff's office.

LESSONS IN HISTORY

LESSONS IN HISTORY - At LaSAS, teacher Amy Coco discussed the attacks and the national response with her students.

PATRIOTIC RESPONSE

PATRIOTIC RESPONSE - Bunkie players and coaches recited the Pledge of Allegiance before the rivalry game in Marksville.

UNITED WE STAND

UNITED WE STAND - Cottonport Elementary students created a patriotic display and placed flowers in front of it.

DO YOU REMEMBER?

Do you have old photographs or stories of Avoyelles Parish?

The Marksville Weekly News and The Bunkie Record are collecting memories from readers for future publications.

Contact the newsroom at 318-253-4513 or email news@avoyellestoday.com.

Marie Roach

Bunkie

"Yes, I think they are going to have to beef up the security. It should have been done before."

Lennie Farrow

Bunkie

"Yes, people will be afraid to fly. There should be more security."

Randy Roy

Bunkie

"The government will take care of it so it won't affect our lives."

Virginia Smith

Bunkie

“To a certain extent. It's put people on their knees."

Billy Jeansonne

Bunkie

"Absolutely."

Sewell Bundick

St. Landry

“Definitely, it’s got to. It could get worse.”