The bell rang out at the Lexington Fire Station earlier today, Thursday, Sept. 11. Five counts of four rings were heard in remembrance of the 343 courageous men and women of the New York City Fire Department who gave their lives 24 years ago during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Every year since 2009, the Lexington Fire Department has held a memorial ceremony on Sept. 11 to signify that we will never forget what Lt. Jared Hill described as “one of the most tragic days in American history.”
Hill, who had the honor of speaking at the ceremony, said, “Let us never forget the price that was paid. Let us teach future generations not about the horror of that day but about the hope, the unity, the courage and the selfless love that rose from those ashes.”
Community members as well as local military veterans were in attendance. Among them was Rose Meyer, who spent 31 years in a clerical position as a civil servant in the U.S. Air Force, now a volunteer at the Jackson House. Although the events that are being memorialized happened 24 years ago, Meyer reflected that she still “can’t get it out of my head.” Similar sentiments were felt among the attendees.
A more detailed story about the ceremony and reflections of those in attendance will be published in the News-Gazette’s print edition on Sept. 17.
