‘We will never forget’: 9/11 commemoration ceremony calls for respect of first responders

ST. GEORGE — St. George and Washington City mayors called for respect of first responders during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony held Saturday at historic Town Square in St. George.

U.S. Congressman Chris Stewart was the featured speaker for the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at Town Square, St. George, Utah, Sept. 10, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Both St. George Mayor Michele Randall and Washington City Mayor Kress Staheli were present as speakers for the 9/11 commemoration ceremony.

U.S. Congressman Chris Stewart was the featured speaker, while dignitaries in attendance included State Rep. Colin Jack, Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow, St. George city councilmembers Danielle Larkin and Natalie Larsen, along with Washington City councilman Kurt Ivie.

The ceremony started with the Dixie High School Air Force junior ROTC cadets presenting the colors and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby leading the pledge of allegiance.

Rabbi Helene Ainbinder of the Beit Chaverim Jewish Community of Greater Zion gave a few thoughts and the prayer.

“We will never forget,” was uttered from the lips of multiple dignitaries, first responders, volunteers, and attendees throughout the morning.

The St. George Fire Department performed the ringing of the fire bell, breaking the moment of silence as some in attendance were seen to shed a tear or two. It was explained that five rings of the bell symbolize the times of the three planes crashing and the two towers collapsing.

On Sept. 11, 2001 an attack on American soil resulted in the loss of 2,977 American lives. The attack was implemented by Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaida, an international terrorist group.

Families found plenty to do at the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at Town Square , St. George, Utah, Sept. 10, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Randall gave a plea during her speech for all to “respect our police, respect our firefighters, respect our EMTs.”

Randall, a mother of a police officer and a paramedic, relayed how much it means to her to see first responders be spoken of and treated with respect. She also has a son-in-law who is a firefighter.

“It is time to respect our first responders who deserve it… when there is a danger that we would run from, but they run into,” Randall said.

Stewart, a retired Air Force veteran, bestselling author, and world record holder, spoke of two accounts of stories of personal friends.

The ceremony also included performances from the Liberty Academy Youth Choir and the Lava Ridge Intermediate School Choir. They performed “God Bless the USA” and “We Remember.”

Members of the Lava Ridge Intermediate School Choir perform “We Remember” at the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony in Town Square, St. George, Utah, Sept. 10, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

There were free firecracker popsicles, free face painting, free patriotic balloons, carousel rides, and water playtime; the kids (and some parents) were entertained.

The ceremony concluded with a procession led by the bagpiper to the Field of Heroes, which had 343 U.S. flags planted into the ground, each one carrying a name, picture, and short biography about each New York firefighter lost on Sept. 11th.

As the bagpipes performed “Amazing Grace,” attendees entered the field to learn about their heroes and pay their respects.

First responders walked amongst the emblems of memories of that fateful day, parents ushered their children in reading them the lives of the fallen, and a few bowed their heads in honor and silence.

A child runs through the Field of Heroes after the ceremony for 9/11 at Town Square, St. George, Utah, Sept. 10, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

A young child chased a free-flying butterfly amongst the red, white, and blue flapping above her while a retired firefighter grasped a cross necklace to his chest over his heart.

“Each of us have a charge and obligation to teach the next generation about 9-11,” Staheli said. “But why? Why does it matter? What lessons can be learned from that dreadful event? 9/11 reminds us that what we have is special, and others will go to great lengths to strip us of our way of life… We must teach our children that 9/11 honors our first responders. We must always remember that our firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”

During the ceremony, there was one medical emergency involving a person who was transported to St. George Regional Hospital due to being dizzy and lightheaded. There were no reports on the gender, age, or condition of the person transported.

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