The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
REMEMBER 9/11
'We can all still come together,' chief says
Avon officials and residents gathered at the Veterans Memorial to honor the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
There was song, music and speakers, along with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first airliner crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.
Fire Chief David Swope asked those gathered how they would feel if they knew something tragic, something unthinkable, something that would change their lives forever, would happen in just minutes.
“Uncertain, nervous, maybe anxious? Would stand motionless waiting and watching in disbelief of what’s to come?” Swope said.
“For those of us that were around that September morning, I believe I’m not alone when I say, that’s how we all felt 20 years ago when that first plane hit the North Tower,” he said.
"It didn’t matter the color of their skin, their gender, their social status.” — Avon Fire Chief David Swope
Seconds later, New York firefighters arrived at the building, finding burn victims and devastation in the lobby, Swope said.
With the towers holding up to 20,000 people any day, and a fire raging above, the mission would be to evacuate and rescue as many people as possible, Swope said.
Firefighters will risk a lot to save a lot, meaning people’s lives, and risk a little to save a little, such as property. They risk nothing to save what already has been lost, Swope said.
With that in mind, the firefighters and first responders went to work.
More than 14,400 people were evacuated and rescued — with help from ordinary citizens who all joined the mission to save lives, Swope said.
“It didn’t matter the color of their skin, their gender, their social status,” he said. “A community came together that day. In Manhattan, all over the state and all over this great country, people came together to help one another through the darkest times.
“And now, 20 years later, let this remind us that we can all still come together,” Swope said. “Remember the empathy we felt, the stories that inspired us, and let us use that to help our neighbor once again, to support our community, to come together.”
He called folks to remember the 2,977 victims killed, 71 police officers and 343 firefighters “who risked a lot to save a lot” and asked those gathered to do the same.
The mayor says
Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen described watching documentaries about the attacks.
Knowing the outcome for real people, Jensen said he kept telling the responding firefighters and police to not go in.
Even after the collapse of the first tower, they kept coming, Jensen said.
Reflecting on the state of the nation after 20 years, Jensen asked those gathered to remember how they were one nation, under God, working for each other and with each other.
He also suggested a reflection everyone could do.
“The key mark of this day is, never forget,” Jensen said. “So maybe today when we go home, with our children or with our family, we can write down 10 things to never forget.”
He shared his own feelings, including gratitude and remembering that tomorrow is never promised and that everything happens for a reason.
In the Last Alarm Ceremony, Fire Capt. Tim Barrett explained the historic significance of using bells to signal firefighters in the times before wireless communication.
Three rings, three times, represents the end of the firefighters’ duty and returning to quarters.
“To our comrades, their last alarm, they’re going home,” he said.
Fire Capt. Joe Reising rang the bell of the antique fire truck parked nearby.
Director of Public Safety Duane Streator convened the ceremony.
Avon Fire Pastor David Woolsey offered the invocation.
Avon Police Capt. Larry Fischbach led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Assistant Fire Chief Brett Bruehler read President Biden’s Sept. 11 proclamation declaring a day of service and remembrance.
The Avon High School choir, conducted by Choir Director Michael Moyseenko, sang the National Anthem.
Avon High School Band Director Aaron Jacobs played “Taps.”
Avon police Lt. Keith Haag and School Resource Officer Patrick Sullivan, both members of the Cleveland Police Pipes & Drums corps, played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.
Avon police Chaplain Jeffrey Phail offered the closing prayer.
The Avon Veterans Memorial is located behind the Avon Fire Department at 36185 Detroit Road.