9-11 Remembrance Ceremony Held

As has been done for the last 21 years, a September 11, 2001 remembrance ceremony was held at the Dillon County Courthouse on Monday, led by Judge James E. Lockemy. Lockemy said today was a time to remember the heroism of so many first responders that day and the 3,000 innocent people who were killed. At Monday’s ceremony, a new feature was added to the program which was a presentation to a Dillon County Patriot, a first responder, past or present, who has rendered great service to Dillon County. This was awarded to Johnny Sawyer, a Vietnam veteran and former law enforcement officer. on September 12, 2022 at the Dillon County Courthouse Steps, Marine John T. Sawyer of Dillon, SC, Vietnam War Veteran 1968-1969, was presented the Patriot Award.
John Harlow, SgtMaj of Marines (Retired), Post Commander VFW Post 6091 Dillon, SC and Dillon Veteran of the Year 2005 read the following about Sawyer. Marine Johnny Sawyer is a 1968 graduate of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. He continued his training as a United States Marine by completing advanced infantry training before deploying to the war in Vietnam. He served as a Marine NCO in the Vietnam theater of war during 1968 and 1969 with Lima Company of the 3rd Marine Infantry Battalion of the 9th Marine Infantry Regiment – aka Lima 3/9. While serving in combat, he was seriously wounded by shrapnel from an enemy grenade in the infamous A Shau valley during Operation Dewey Canyon. For his wounds received in battle, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. During this and other combat operations in Vietnam, Marine Johnny Sawyer was continuously exposed to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange and in later years of his life the Veterans Administration classified him as 100% disabled due to the long-term effects of lAgent Orange. Johnny and I have shared some of our Vietnam war stories and his tales as a Marine grunt gave me pause and appreciation for what he did in Vietnam. Johnny was sometimes the Marine carrying the flame thrower – like having a giant zippo on your back. And Johnny was sometimes the Marine with a Marine issued 45 crawling into NVA & Viet Cong tunnels looking for the enemy. He told me he always carried a small Bible in his pocket that he was given when he left for Vietnam – I say he sure needed it. Johnny is a Dillon VFW member and we at the Dillon VFW are pleased to see him recognized today with the Dillon County Patriots Award. The recognition was received on his behalf by Brad Sawyer and Shannon Carter, his children.
A memorial wreath was placed on the courthouse steps in remembrance of this tragic day.

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