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The local Military Freedom Fest organization gathered at the Jessamine County Courthouse Friday afternoon to honor local first responders in remembrance of 9/11.

Douglas Day co-founded the organization with his wife 18 years ago in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S. The couple wanted to honor veterans and first responders.

To this day, they have celebrated more than 7,000 veterans with ceremonies and certificates from state and local government officials.

Each year, they honor first responders with a sign on the courthouse lawn on the anniversary of 9/11, in which hundreds of first responders were injured or lost their lives trying to save others who were injured or killed in the attacks.

This year, they honored responders from the Nicholasville Fire Department, Jessamine County Fire Department, Jessamine County EMS, Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmore Police Department and Nicholasville Police Department.

The organization is also planning a fundraiser for 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Kimberly Square Parking Lot at 955 S. Main St. in Nicholasville. The event will include food and live music, and all proceeds will go toward the organization’s mission of honoring veterans and firest responders. 

For more information about the organization or the event, contact Douglas Day at 859.621.9872.