“Honor and remember.”
“Never forget.”
Area residents had several opportunities to pause and reflect on the Sept. 11 terror attacks 20 years ago as well as their ongoing impact on our society and culture today.
At the Great American Market, KVOE had the 9-11 Memorial Bell available for people to remember that day as well as a special banner listing the names of all who died as a result of the attacks. General Manager Ron Thomas says it has been important for the station to honor this opportunity in the years after the attacks.
ESU music professor Gary Ziek played Taps just after 9 am to mark the plane crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, Random Acts of Patriotism took place at the Interstate 35 Exit 160 bridge outside Melvern. Longtime organizer John Kitt says the bridge was busy all day. With an increasing part of America’s population too young to remember 20 years ago or simply not born yet, Kitt says education is becoming more important as the years go by.
This was the 19th annual rendition of Random Acts of Patriotism.
At Emporia Fire Station 2, firefighters, first responders and law enforcement gathered. Fire Chief Jack Taylor encouraged those in attendance to remember the sacrifices made that day.
Emporia Police Deputy Chief Kevin Risley says the 20th anniversary served several purposes.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says 9-11 prompted law enforcement and first responders to integrate their resources, an approach that continues to this day.
Nearly 3,000 people died after hijacked planes crashed into both World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a field outside Shanksville.
