On the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, local leaders from first responder agencies will be featured at this month’s Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum.

The forum, which includes a luncheon, will be held Thursday, Sept. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Haney Center at Seminole State College.

In conjunction with national observances of the tragedies surrounding terrorist attacks on 9-11 and the heroic actions by first responders that day, the Chamber will be recognizing representatives of law enforcement, fire responders and emergency medical services. Comments about their respective agencies will be made by Seminole Police Chief Jon Withers, Seminole Fire Chief Scott Childers, Seminole Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Merrick Ashby, Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Dion Wild, Seminole County Sheriff Anthony Louie and Seminole Nation Lighthorse Chief of Police Chris Coker.

Sept. 11, 2001 (referred to thereafter as simply “9-11”) marked the deadliest terrorist attack in history, killing nearly 3,000 people in a coordinated series of attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers.

The 9-11 attacks also caused the single greatest loss of life for first responders in American history and resulted in lasting health consequences and major shifts in U.S. counter-terrorism policy. The attacks claimed 2,977 victims, including 246 passengers and crew aboard the four planes, 2,606 people at the World Trade Center, and 125 people at the Pentagon. The total includes 441 first responders.

Thursday’s forum luncheon meeting of local civic clubs is open to the public, although there is a cost for the meal. For more information about the forum program, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (405) 382-3640.