City of Manitowoc residents gathered yesterday to remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
A remembrance ceremony was held at the new pavilion at Red Arrow Beach and hosted by Manitowoc Fire Chief Ben Kraynek, Police Chief John Musial, and Mayor Justin Nickels.
Kraynek says yesterday was a day to gather not simply to remember a date, but to honor the sacrifice given by so many on the fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
For those who wear a badge, September 11th is more than history; it’s part of their identity.
“It reminds us that courage is found in ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” he told the crowd. “It reminds us why we train, why we trust one another, and why we answer every call with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those we serve.”
Police Chief John Musial says 9/11 influenced him to go into law enforcement after seeing brave first responders run toward danger while others ran away.
He says he hopes the Clipper City never has to endure an event on the scale of what happened in 2001, but every law enforcement agency has to do its part.
“We come to work every day, wanting to make a difference, protect people, and do what is right,” he stated. “Today we remember the 72 officers who gave their lives, along with the firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, and innocent people who never made it home.”
Mayor Justin Nickels said everyone’s presence at the 9/11 ceremony speaks something powerful about the Manitowoc community. He told the crowd that when the nation was shaken, people responded with extraordinary unity.
He exclaimed, “Strangers helped strangers, cities opened their arms to one another. We remembered what it meant to be the United States. That same sense of togetherness is present here tonight. It is present every time Manitowoc shows up for neighbors in need, every time we celebrate acts of kindness, and every time we join hands, literally or figuratively, to make our city stronger.”
The ceremony continued with the tolling of a bell to remember those who died on American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Airlines Flight 93.
The ceremony concluded with Amazing Grace, a gun salute by the Vietnam Veterans of America, and Taps.
9/11 is still the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, with over 2,900 people passing away on the day and many still dying due to aftereffects, like poor air quality, after the World Trade Center collapsed.
12 of those people had ties to Wisconsin.
