July 16, 2017, marks two years past tragic events that shook Chattanooga to its core. When five heroes were murdered by a waste of human garbage. However, in that time many things have not changed. Yes, our heroes are still remembered. But the events are still painful. The hours and the days that followed showed some of the times that mark Chattanooga as "America's most patriotic city."
Sadly though there are still a lot of things people have forgotten about the unknown heroes on that day.
The heroes that survived that day at the Armed Forces Recruiting station on Lee Highway, the men and women who survived at the Marine and Naval Reserve Center on Amnicola Highway, and the first responders who rushed to the scene that stopped the gunman from taking more lives on that day. These heroes sadly still have the vivid memories of this day.
One of these heroes is a close friend who I have known most of my life from our days in elementary school to butting heads on the football field. That man is Dennis Pedigo, Jr . He still is recovering through many issues of that day. Anyone who knows Dennis knows he is a man who would stand up for anyone. Those who do not know Dennis was the policeman who was shot that day and had to have surgery and lost a lot of work due to the injury he suffered. I know a lot of people gave money, which is good. However, Dennis still is recovering and still needs prayers and support .
We need to appreciate all that our men and women in blue do. We also need to appreciate our first responders for they do more than most realize. Lastly, be proud of our men and women in uniform for they fight for our freedom. Also we need to pray for all of these people, but we need to pray for their families too.
Alex McKeel