In September, the Rotary Club of Marietta treatted Marietta first responders to a barbecue lunch in recognition of their work on the front lines. The club’s Public Service Appreciation Luncheon was held behind the Marietta Fire Department. The annual event aims to acknowledge, honor and thank all Marietta public safety heroes, according to club President Don Barbour. “Thank you for what you do every day, and it’s our pleasure to sponsor this luncheon and to serve you today,” Barbour said to the officers and firefighters. Members of the Marietta fire and police departments, as well as other public safety officials, enjoyed lunch from Dave Poe’s BBQ. Rotary Club members manned the buffet line where they served barbecue staples like pulled pork, chicken, mac and cheese, coleslaw and baked beans.

The club has hosted the luncheon for many years, and it serves as one of their largest events of the year. But, it has never been held on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. After noticing one of their meetings landed on the date, the club decided to use the luncheon to serve a dual purpose. “We decided to do it on 9/11, obviously because of the significance of the day,” Barbour said. “This is one of my favorite events that we do.” Before digging into the food, the club held a moment of silence to honor the victims and first responders killed in the attacks. Barbour then invited Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin andDistrict Governor Gordon Owens to say a few words before Cobb Sheriff Lt. Col. Clifford Kelker led the group in a prayer.

Owens said he was inspired to attend to help support its mission. “I think, especially in today’s day and age, there’s been a lot of politicizing and division between the community and our first responders ... and anytime that we can pat them on the back and thank them for their service to the community is a good day.”

Marietta Police Chief David Beam said the police department is appreciative of Rotary’s recognition of their efforts. As a former Rotarian, he said the luncheon is a perfect opportunity to both honor the victims of 9/11 and bring the community closer together. “It’s very important that we do not forget what happened in 2001 ... and I believe that events like this help us remember, but maybe in a little more positive light,” Beam said. “A little fellowship is brought to the table, as opposed to all the negativity that could be.” Fire Chief Tim Milligan said he believes there’s more weight to this year’s luncheon, given the anniversary it coincides with. “(It) just means the world to our entire team because anytime that we’re thanked for the job that we all signed up to do ... day-in and dayout, it just means a lot,” Milligan said.