Friday marked the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, claiming the lives of 3,000 people and starting a Global War on Terror.

Local governments marked the anniversary in their own way. In Decatur, it has become a tradition for the High School ROTC to hold a small ceremony on the morning of the anniversary. Chris Billingsley, a former Decatur High teacher, was on hand and took these photos of the preparations and ceremony.

Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

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Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

Photo by Chris Billingsley

DeKalb County held an event in front of the 9/11 Memorial in Tucker.

“The first responders during the 9/11 attacks were true American heroes who gave their lives in their calling to serve and protect.  It is imperative we always remember the significance of their acts of courage and sacrifice,” Interim CEO Lee May said in a press release.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed released the following statement:

Fourteen years ago, we watched as a horrific tragedy unfolded before us. Our world had changed forever, and the future seemed uncertain. Yet, despite all the chaos of that day, one thing was clear: no act of violence can ever break the will and unity of the American people. Instead, we came together as one nation.

On our darkest day, we witnessed the very best that America has to offer. We saw first responders rushing toward the World Trade Center, thinking only of how they could save others. We heard of everyday Americans rallying the courage to overpower their hijackers before they could attack our capital. These heroes gave us renewed faith in the power of the American spirit.

Today, let us hold our loved ones closer, remember all those we lost, and reflect on the values at the core of our American family.

Avondale Estates held a ceremony in Dewey Brown Plaza and temporarily closed City Hall.

Medlock Park residents visited Fire Station No. 9 and dropped off about $400 worth of Publix gift cards. They also left this …