The year 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, as well as the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Fort Steuben Chapter, have already begun honoring first responders as their way of saying thank you for all they do on a daily basis and for risking their lives to help the people within their community. DAR officials announced a display has been set up inside the Mary H. Weir Public Library in Weirton as a way for area residents to express their appreciation for first responders. The public is invited and encouraged to stop by the library and write down the name of their favorite first responder on a paper heart library staff will have available. America 250 Chairman Francine Hauldren, along with First Vice Regent Roberta Mizok Fedoush, created the display to express their gratitude and appreciation for all fire fighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. Fedoush is shown adding the newly-created hearts to the display.

— Contributed