Butler County veterans reflect on 25th anniversary of 9/11

Butler County veterans reflect on 25th anniversary of 9/11

Veterans service office says anniversary offers chance to educate younger generation

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HAMILTON, Ohio (WXIX) - The Butler County Veterans Service Office is preparing for its 9/11 memorial ceremony as the 25th anniversary of the attacks approaches.

Mike Farmer, executive director of the Butler County Veterans Service Office, said the anniversary marks a turning point for many veterans.

“For many of our veterans, that marks, that was the beginning of a new era, right? Different wars. We had Iraq, Afghanistan. We’re still over in the Middle East nowadays,” Farmer said.

Farmer said honoring those who died is only part of the anniversary’s significance.

“And it’s really important that not only do we honor and remember the fallen, but we think about everything that has come over the last 25 years and the sacrifices, not just of those that were perished on that tragic day, but all of the lives that changed because of the results of that,” Farmer said.

Educating a new generation

Farmer said the 25th anniversary presents an opportunity to teach younger people about the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“They have no idea. They have no idea. And that’s not a knock on them, but I think it’s important to never forget history and where we have come from and where we’ve been before. Some younger folks nowadays, they weren’t even born,” Farmer said. “So we can’t forget the past and how we continue that is we continue to talk about it and we continue to ensure that those memories live on over time.”

Farmer said the office wants to bring veterans and community members together through the anniversary.

“And the goal is for many of those that were impacted by it, we want to get them out of the house around like-minded individuals, other veterans, community members, and get them involved,” Farmer said. “So for us, it’s not specific to 9/11 Twin Towers, but we do want that sense in the community and that moment of silence and that reflection to bring everyone in the community together on such a big anniversary.”

Processing difficult memories

Farmer said veterans who served as police officers, firefighters, or first responders on 9/11 in New York, at the Pentagon, or at the crash site in Pennsylvania may experience difficult memories from their time in service.

“So for some veterans, I would say that if they were directly involved in the conflict, this is one of those opportunities that may kind of unlock some of those memories and that require processing and thoughtfulness,” Farmer said. “And a great way to cope is to lean on the community around you, whether that be another veteran, whether that be family, those in the community, a community event. It’s a good time to be able to come together and feel safe and secure in your own community. I think it’s our responsibility to make sure that the memory of that day and the people that were lost and the service and the sacrifice that followed aren’t forgotten. Twenty-five years is a long time, but it’s important that we reflect and honor what happened.”

Memorial ceremony details

Representatives from the Oxford, Hamilton and Monroe fire departments will take part in Butler County’s 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Butler County Fallen Firefighter & EMA Provider Memorial in Hamilton’s Monument Park.

The program starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.

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