(Melissa Marshall • Herald/Review) Sierra Vista Fire Department Deputy Chief Ron York gets emotional
during “A Day of Remembrance” for September 11 held at Veterans’ Memorial Park on Sunday.
Posted on 09/12/2011 4:00:25 PM PDT by SandRat
SIERRA VISTA — On a clear and calm morning, a giant American flag, suspended from two extended fire engine ladders, fluttered in the breeze as those below gathered to remember that fateful day in 2001.
With somber memories but a unity that binds all Americans, they gathered to pay homage to the men and women who lost their lives and continue to do so for the ideals that make this nation great.
On Sept. 11, 2011, 10 years after the attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives, more than of 250 people gathered in Veterans’ Memorial Park for a short ceremony to remember the courage and sacrifices made that day in 2001, and of those left behind.
“On this day 10 years ago …” began Sierra Vista Fire Captain Bob Fields as he remembered where he was when America was attacked.
“It was the greatest loss of life in a single moment in the history of the civilized fire service,” he said.
After a brief welcome by Fields, Lauren Luick opened the ceremony with the Star Spangled Banner, and a prayer was offered by Clea McCaa.
Three guest speakers then came forward to offer their reflections on what 9/11 means to them individually, and to us as a nation.
“This generation, as many before, has grown stronger since 9/11,” said Sierra Vista Police Chief Ken Kimmel.
Offering a law enforcement perspective, Kimmel said that “We must continue to fight against terrorism. We must be vigilante.”
Chief Kimmel gave thanks to all first responders and members of the military, and added that the sacrifices made on 9/11 must be honored “today and every day. … We must remember the heroes,” he said.
Following Kimmel, Sierra Vista Fire Chief Ron York recounted his feelings of that horrible day.
“I remember getting a phone call,” the chief began as he talked of his experience, adding that his thoughts touched on the responsibility of every aspect of his job, from that of the leadership, to that of engineers and crew members.
“I agonized over the effort,” he said of the men on the ground carrying hoses to a blaze they never got the chance to fight.
“I worried about the logistics,” he said of the officers in charge of the operation.
“How do you pump water up 100 stories?” he asked, thinking of the engineers tasked with overcoming unimaginable obstacles.
“I cringed. And I cried,” the chief said, his voice cracking.
“Thank you for remembering my friends today,” York said.
Following Chief York, Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller spoke about how to best remember those lost.
“What is the best way to honor the fallen?” the mayor asked, both himself and those in the crowd.
“It is a unity of purpose,” he said, adding that it is the same unity of purpose that brought the community so close together during the recent Monument Fire.
“Unity of purpose — That is the best way to honor those we remember here today,” the mayor said. “We must hold up and thank those heroes,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded and the honor guard was dismissed, bagpiper Brian Donahue played Amazing Grace and many in the crowd looked to the sky as the giant American flag, still suspended from the fire engine ladders, continued to flutter in the morning breeze.
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