Warren County marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with remembrance ceremony
Community gathers to honor victims, first responders and veterans
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CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Hundreds of people gathered in Warren County Friday to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, 25 years after the attacks.
The Warren County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony brought together first responders, veterans, students and community leaders.
Pentagon survivor recalls attack
Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Michael Zettler was on duty inside the Pentagon 25 years ago when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building.
“200 yards from where we sat was the impact point. Those are sounds and a sight that I will never forget- at that instant, 9:37 am, 184 people died,” Zettler remembered.
Zettler said the ceremony’s message centered on unity and the future.
“Our real message is not about us; it’s about the future, and the future making sure that those who paid a tremendous sacrifice are honored for that, and we work as a country together to not have another event like 9/11,” Zettler said.
Students take part in ceremony
Students from local high schools participated in the ceremony, sharing songs, poems and artwork to honor those who died before they were born.
One student read a poem during the event.
“Perhaps healing was never meant to look like forgetting. Perhaps it looks like a hand reaching for another, a meal left at a neighbor’s door, a volunteer who stays 10 minutes longer,” the student said.
One attendee said he took off work to attend the ceremony.
“Seeing these kids here, singing, young kids from high school writing poems and songs, I think that shows firsthand that these young generations - there’s a lot of hope, and I don’t think a tragedy like this will ever be forgotten,” he said.
Display planned for September
A display of student artwork and 9/11 relics will be in the lobby of the Warren County administrative building for the month of September.
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