Thousands gathered Sunday around the South Sound to remember and honor those killed Sept. 11, and to send a message that America remains united on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack.
Fire departments hosted touching and hopeful ceremonies during which they recalled the sacrifice of first responders and brave citizens.
Community groups brought people together with musical and historical tributes. Families mourned privately, laid flowers on graves and memorials and vowed not to forget.
Pierce Transit and Sound Transit stopped their buses at 10 a.m. for a “minute of reflection” while a message played over the announcement systems, reminding passengers that 9/11 brought strangers together in a way rarely, if ever, seen before.
“Together we make the statement: America, we in Tacoma have not forgotten,” Mayor Marilyn Strickland told a large crowd outside the Tacoma Firefighters Memorial on Ruston Way.
The annual event drew hundreds who wanted to thank fire and police personnel, reflect on a day that altered the country and share their experience with others.
Ten years after terrorists struck the heart of the nation, Cynthia and Larry Jones remain overwhelmed by that day. They were solemn at the ceremony, lost in the sadness that still permeates the lives of so many irreparably changed by 9/11.
“It’s just a day that changed everything,” Cynthia Jones said.
After the ceremony, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One allowed people to line up and see a section of a steel beam recovered from the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Firefighters brought the beam, 5 feet long and weighing 1,000 pounds, back to the community earlier this year. Doreen Brautigan waited patiently in line. The Parkland woman pushed her walker aside when two firefighters offered to help her into the back of a fire engine so she could touch the tactile reminder of the terrorist attack.
She leaned over, gently placed her hand on the misshaped steel and closed her eyes for a moment.
“It was unbelievable,” Brautigan said afterward. “When I watched it all happen on TV, I couldn’t believe it was real. But now that I see part of the destruction …”
In University Place, West Pierce Fire & Rescue held a remembrance ceremony that began at 7:28 a.m., the time when the north tower collapsed. Although it usually honors 9/11 with an internal ceremony, this year it welcomed the public.
Chaplain Rich Carbone encouraged people to bring back the memory of the emotions felt on 9/11. Deputy Chief Mitch Sagers spoke of the country’s resilient spirit and the sacrifice of those killed in the terrorist attack.
In the crowd, SSG Kent Keel stood in uniform. He said that as a member of the armed forces and a University Place resident, he needed to be there, to see others in the community gather together.
“It’s touching to me. It encourages me,” Keel said. “It makes me feel proud to be an American. It gives me hope that terrorists won’t undermine the ideals of this country.”
Members of the Northwest Repertory Singers commemorated the anniversary of 9/11 the way they first did nine years ago, by performing Mozart’s Requiem.
More than 200 gathered at Mason United Methodist Church in Tacoma to listen to the 51-person group, which included the accompanist and conductor.
On Sept. 11, 2002, Requiem was performed in all time zones of the world at 8:46 a.m., the local time when American Airlines 11 struck the first World Trade Center tower.
“Let the power of music be what glues and binds us together,” said Paul Schultz, artistic director and founder of the Northwest Repertory Singers.
At the Puyallup Fair, Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted its fourth annual “America Remembers” event. Awards were given to members of the Puyallup Police Department, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and Central Pierce County Fire and Rescue, as well as servicemen and women.
More than 250 people cheered as the America Remembers Concert Choir and Orchestra performed songs of the armed forces.
“Once we paused in horror,” said Seth Pierce, pastor of the Puyallup church. “Now we pause in honor.”
Puyallup Mayor Kathy Turner said ours remains a nation at war, and we must honor our heroes – those who risk their lives to protect us.
“We must never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
Congressman Adam Smith honored those on United Airlines Flight 93. People on the flight reportedly rushed the cockpit to prevent another attack. The plane crashed in Shanksville, Pa.
“I’m thankful every day those people did that,” Smith said.
Kay Hayes of Gig Harbor said events like these are a good reminder to the tragedies that stuck 10 years ago.
“Things like this are better than living in fear,” she said.
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
Stephanie Kim: 253-597-8692
stephanie.kim@thenewstribune.com
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