The ambiance was settled Saturday the 11th, at Fire Station 15 on Buena Vista Road as a remembrance service was in place for those lost 20 years ago in the attacks upon the World Trade Center. The service held a vast array of people from service members of the military branches, local law enforcement, firefighters, and an assortment of bikers.

There were scattered faces of many, some wore their cards where you can see them, while others only shared their tinted eyes of settled pain. They remember watching the TV and at will, they can recall all the events which played before them and the rest of that slow ill-fated day. Most saw it in their younger reaches of youth and within two decades passing they have sprouted families. Now they educate their children upon the travesty which rattled them and America.

A video memorial was displayed, giving further insight into the history of that day before the anthem was played, followed by a moment of silence. The speeches read by political figures and other higher officials addressed the people, showing how far this affected everyone establishing a connection and intertwining the stories to show a bigger picture.

There were big local faces who made an appearance such as Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Mayor Karen Goh, and Sheriff Donny Youngblood. Both McCarthy and Goh shared their insights on that day, with Goh ending off her speech by stating, “God bless the United States of America, we will remember all of them.” 

Amid the remembrance of those present, they also shared a moment for those who were lost along the way. The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, which is located downtown, shares a piece of art dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The gallery was produced to further educate and honor veteran sacrifices.

In the end, when the last roll was called and all the flags accompanied by the night’s sky laid still, the service which began in prayer ended with a demonstration of patriotism. As all the names were carried away with the wind once more, they still stand on the tip of our tongues. They are still there even after 20 years, standing taller with each anniversary in our memories.