The Williams family would like to thank The Anniston Star for its excellent coverage of the memorial service given in honor of my son, Maj. Dwayne Williams, and other victims who have been killed since Sept. 11, 2001.

I thank the Calhoun County Commission for sponsoring the event. The ceremony was a monumental task, but it was a labor of love for my son.

I especially thank Sherri Sumners, president of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, for serving as Mistress of Ceremony and helping me bring this ceremony to fruition.

I thank Andy Bumpus and the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville for their spectacular music, and all those who participated in the ceremony.

I thank Barbara Lewis-Fleetion, Barbara Stampler, Rachel Clinkscale, Gold Star Wives, Gold Star Mothers and Col. Glenn Nivens (ret.) for their assistance with the laying of the wreaths and roses. The Patriot Guard that had a mission in honor of Dwayne was touching. I was humbled by its presence.

I thank Gray-Brown Service Mortuary and Crematory for its assistance with traffic control at the program and K.L. Brown for his assistance with the wreaths.

Last but not least, I thank the people of Calhoun County for their support. Their presence was greatly appreciated. I was so overwhelmed by their love and compassion.

Pearl Williams
Jacksonville