Amy Weaver
Opelika-Auburn News
September 11, 2007
It’s been six years since the United States suffered the worst attacks on its soil, but it’s still fresh on American minds.
To mark today’s anniversary of Sept. 11, all city and county buildings will have flags lowered to half-staff. Residents are encouraged to fly their flags as well today for the day of remembrance known as Patriot Day.
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Sunel Merchant, owner of Philly Connection and Sunny Pizza Corner, will be the first donor at the Parkerson Mill Shopping Center, 2328 S. College St., Suite 3, Auburn, for the We Remember Sept. 11 Blood Drive, sponsored by the Lee County Red Cross. The event will run from noon until 5 p.m.
“The reason I want to host the blood drive it to show the difference between us and terrorists,” Merchant said. “They draw blood to take lives and we donate blood to save lives.”
An Ismaili Muslim, Merchant was working as a banking consultant on the 49th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the first airplane struck the Twin Towers. It took him more than an hour to evacuate. The South Tower fell just 12 minutes later.
Donors will receive a coupon for a free philly cheese steak or a free pizza, as well as other coupons to local businesses.
WRBL, Media General
Ismailimail 