State Rep. Shannon Erickson urges unity in Beaufort County Patriot Day keynote

South Carolina State Representative Shannon Erickson, introduced as the District 124 representative who chairs the House Education and Public Works Committee, delivered the keynote address at the Beaufort County Patriot Day ceremony. Erickson recalled visits to the 9/11 memorial and museum, highlighted the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the continuing suffering of some survivors, and urged residents to renew civic unity: "When the chips are down, I'll put all of my faith in the people of this country." She cited a local family connection — Terri Maud, a Beaufort resident whose husband Timothy died at the Pentagon — when describing the personal ties that link national tragedy to the local community.

Erickson framed the day's observance as both remembrance and a charge to act with compassion and service in everyday life, asking attendees to "start the day like it was 09:12" and to hold hands and care for each other. Her remarks were delivered between first-responder recognitions and the ceremony's closing prayers; officials and attendees applauded her appeal to local unity.