Lincoln Fire and Rescue marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks Friday with a memorial ceremony. “25 years ago our nation watched as 343 firefighters rushed into buildings everyone else was running from,” Engler said.
“They didn’t hesitate. That’s who we are as a fire service and it’s who we still are today right here in this department.” Engler said the department also remembers the passengers and crew members who died, along with office workers and first responders from agencies across the country.
He said the victims were ordinary people who got up that morning expecting an ordinary day. The ceremony included a moment of silence led by the 911 Communication Center and broadcast to Lincoln fire stations for on-duty personnel.
Engler said remembering the victims should also lead to action. Lincoln Fire and Rescue hosted a memorial blood drive at Station One, encouraging residents to give blood in honor of those lost on September 11th. “People who couldn’t run into the towers themselves but still wanted to help,” Engler said.
“That instinct, that willingness to give something of yourself for a stranger is exactly what this day should represent.”
(Photos: KLIN’s Tom Stanton)