Remembering 9/11: City pays tribute to heroes who lost their lives and those who protect us today

Remembrances, as well as honoring those who serve, were incorporated into Sunday morning’s ceremony outside Columbus City Hall marking the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“We live in the aftermath of this tragedy and into the shadow of possible future acts of aggression,” said Columbus Fire Department chaplain Ron Bridgewater during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony. “We pray that you will enable us to put an end to the fear, and let us resolve that, in the face of hatred and times of despair, we will be voices of hope and creators of new dreams.”

Bridgewater, who serves as senior minister at East Columbus Christian Church, made an appeal to our better angels.

“Let us resolve today that we never regard forgiveness as weakness, but rather as a source of strength in our lives and in our world,” he said.

During the ceremony, Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay sounded one ring of a bell in honor of all 2,977 people who died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

After a tribute was read over an emergency channel frequency, another moment of silence took place before Lay rang the bell multiple times, followed by a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Columbus Deputy Fire Chief Mike Kutsko.

The rings and the hymn specifically honored the 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel who sacrificed their lives 21 years ago, the fire chief said.

Following the 30-minute ceremony, State Representative Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, said there are still threats to the United States.

“There are forces in their world looking to bring down our wonderful great country,” Lauer said. “We need to be vigilant, strong and maintain courage – just like those on 9/11.”

In quoting retired U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, Lay said the safety and integrity of every community will be threatened from time to time.

“It could be from a natural disaster or from an unruly element that rears its ugly heads every so often – such as the deadly terrorist attacks that occurred on 9/11,” Lay said.

The fire chief commended not only the first responders in our communities, but also the military who respond to threats “often times at great risk to their own lives.”

Lay also used the words of former President Barack Obama in stressing the important of compassion.

“Even the smallest act of service or the simplest act of kindness is a way to honor (9/11 victims and responders),” Lay said.

In contrast to the 175 spectators who attended last year’s ceremony, only about 25 residents not in uniform attended Sunday morning’s event. That didn’t surprise Columbus Fire spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson, who said he anticipated a smaller audience because it was a Sunday with a rainy forecast. The ceremony took place at the same time when many community churches have their services.

First responders are always grateful when a sizable crowd shows up for the annual remembrance, Wilson said.

“But for us, ‘never forget’ means ‘never forget,’ ” Wilson said. “This is something we are compelled to do every year – whether or not there is an audience.”

Among those in the audience were Columbus City Council members Tom Dell and Frank Miller. Dell says his attendance was made not only to recognize the sacrifices made by first responders involved directly in the attack, but also “the sacrifices our own first-responders make every day.”

Even though it has been 21 years, Miller said Sept. 11, 2001 changed the entire world – not just our country. He urged everyone to be thinking what they should do if a similar attack occurred and always remain on our guard.

The following message delivered by Bartholomew County E911 dispatcher Madison Klave was heard on a local emergency frequency, as well as over the public address system outside Columbus City Hall, during the annual 9/11 remembrance Sunday.

”Attention all units and stations…21 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, at 08:46 hours, the events on this day changed our lives forever. In honor of the memory of the courageous police officers, firefighters, paramedics and citizens, we thank them for their unselfish sacrifices they gave for this country. We continue to honor the heroes of 9/11 and shall be forever grateful for the men and women who serve as public safety officials and military throughout this country who guard our freedom each and every day.”