United Flight 93 Hero, the late Todd
Beamer (L) and his father, David Beamer (R)
Organizers for the Roane County Homecoming celebration set for Labor Day Weekend in Spencer at the Roane County Committee on Aging ballfield have confirmed that David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer who was killed on United Flight 93 on 9/11 will be the keynote speaker for the "Tribute to the American Spirit" Ceremony.
The event will be held from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, September 3 as part of the Roane County Homecoming Celebration
Authorities believe that Beamer along with other passengers following his comment "Let's Roll" attempted to regain control of the doomed airliner before it crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Authorities said the passengers' heroism likely kept the plane from heading into DC where the intended targets were likely the White House or U.S. Capitol.
Beamer will discuss his son's bravery, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, and the American Spirit.
He will be joined on stage by the State's Top Adjutant General James Hoyer (pictured left) who replaced long time Adjutant General Allen Tackett as the leader of the state's National Guard.
General Hoyer will recognize the American Troops and veterans for their service. Also speaking will be Roane County's Drew Miller who is running from California to West Virginia to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Miller will discuss his journey across the country and what it has taught him about the American Spirit and the Wounded Warrior. Miller is expected to be home 2 weeks before this event.
 Miss West Virginia Spenser Wempe (pictured left) will also appear at the event.
Local dignitaries including Spencer Mayor Terry Williams and Commission President Rodney Cox are expected to speak during the event.
Toby Wagoner, who is helping coordinate the event, hosted by Love and Kindness Church's [REACT] Recreation and Education for Adults and Children Together program says this event will be one to remember.
"This Tribute to the American Spirit will honor a lot of different people this year and we think it will be quite impressive. Having David Beamer and his wife Peggy join us from Florida is exciting," Waggoner said.
Wagoner encourages the community to get ready to roll out the red carpet and let's show them our love and respect and what small town America is all about.
Beamer has appeared on Fox News and CNN regularly commenting on the war on terror and most recently on Bin Laden's death.
Wagoner said, the goal of the hour long tribute is to recognize our military men and women serving their country today, and to honor local fire departments, emergency medical service responders and police officers.
He said recognizing these groups is long overdue and with the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 the following week, this will be a great time to do it.
"We just need a big crowd to cheer them on and celebrate with us."
The Tribute to the American Spirit will include representation from the Spencer Detachment of the National Guard, the amazing Kanawha Valley Pipes and Drum unit, the Rare Form Barbershop Quartet singing the National Anthem, Country Roads and patriotic songs, in addition to the American Legion playing taps to honor fallen veterans.
More information about this event and a complete schedule of activities is available online at
www.roanehomecoming.com
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