VIDALIA — As Americans across the country remembered the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks, the sound of “God Bless America” echoed across Carter Street.

The song was part of the Vidalia Garden Club’s dedication ceremony for a new memorial to veterans and soldiers. Members of the community, law enforcement agencies, Mayor Hyram Copeland and representatives from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation all attended the event.

The memorial was made up of 351 bricks, which were purchased by members of the community and bore the names of loved ones who have served in the military and diplomatic services.

Vidalia Garden Club President Kathleen Stevens said the bricks honored those who served in wars before and after Sept. 11.

“This is our small way of saying thank you,” Stevens said during the ceremony.

The project took several permits, restoring the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker and even moving the marker. Stevens said the club had much support from the City of Vidalia. The city and the CPSO restored the fence behind the marker.

“We’re so proud to have this complete and finished,” Stevens said.

After the ceremony, Stevens said the club wanted to have the memorial finished by Patriot Day, 9/11, to honor everyone who died during the attack.

Jeanine Reeves, who came with her husband, Vietnam veteran Herschel Reeves, said having the ceremony on Sept. 11 reminded her of the sadness of the day. But Reeves said it also reminded her of the strength the country showed in rebounding from the tragedy.

“It was like a tribute, having it on this day,” Reeves said.

Before and after the ceremony, people flocked to the marker, looking for bricks with the names of their loved ones.

One of the people looking for their bricks was Mildred Hughes. The Ferriday resident bought three bricks for members of her family approximately a year ago.

“It’s an honor to have a special thing for them,” Hughes said.

Stevens said she purchased four bricks for the memorial, and Herschel Reeves bought three. He said one was for his grandfather, one for his son and one for himself.

“I’m just proud to see anybody honor our veterans and our country,” Reeves said.