The Russell County Fair is always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for local residents. But this year’s fair seemed more special than previous events.
There were still plenty of rides at the carnival, vendors throughout the fairgrounds and activities to entertain everyone.
What set the 2026 fair apart was the celebration of 250 years of independence and the honoring of those who lost their lives 25 years ago on September 11.
American flags and other patriotic displays could be seen across the fairgrounds. And a special ceremony was held on the evening of September 11.
Former Russell County Sheriff and Bristol Police Department Chief Bill Price served as the emcee of the event.
Displayed during the ceremony was a fire truck, which is currently owned by the Copper Creek Fire Department. What makes this truck unique is, it was on site at ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001.
Among the speakers at the ceremony was Delegate Israel O’Quinn. “There are not a lot of days in US history or world history that truly alter the course of history,” he said. “But 9-11 was one of those days. You could fell that as you watched the events unfold.”
He said of all the bad things that happened on that day, two positives were also born that day. One was a new appreciation for first responders. “The other thing is we had an unprecedented surge in pride and patriotism and community spirit. Every business, every home, every church was flying an American flag.”
Lebanon Police Chief Eric Deskins said Sept. 11 is not just a date we remember on the calendar, but we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives on that day.
And we remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in an effort to save others.
“We remember the mothers and fathers who kissed their children and never came back home,” Deskins said. “We remember the husbands and wives that never came back.”
But in addition to remembering September 11, Deskins said, “We need to remember what America looked like on September 12 because that’s when you could see every bit of pride everyone had in America. For a brief moment we weren’t Republicans, we weren’t Democrats. We weren’t red states, we weren’t blue states. We were Americans.”
First responders from across the county unfurled a large American flag and held it proudly while the “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed.
O’Quinn and Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Izzy Horn presented the first responders with challenge coins.
The ceremony concluded with a somber ringing of the bell.
