City remembers on 23rd anniversary of 9/11

Slowly, as the years pass and sorrow fades from the horrendous terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, newer generations of this country’s residents are forgetting about the day when airliners were highjacked and rammed into the World Trade Center in New York City and The Pentagon in Washington, D.C., with a fourth crashing into a field in eastern Pennsylvania.

Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford is concerned people will slowly forget about this day as did subsequent generations after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Fallon will host its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11, beginning at 10 a.m. in the courtyard behind City Hall. Tedford said the event will be conducted in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

FALLON CONNECTION

Tedford preaches the importance of that day 23 years ago and how the area was affected because of the city’s close proximity to Naval Air Station Fallon. As a result of increased military training, more pilots began training at NAS Fallon and then headed to the Persian Gulf aboard aircraft carriers.

Tedford remains steadfast for the city to honor those who died that day and to appreciate the men and women who serve as first responders or in the military.

“I think it’s very important to honor those who passed away, honor those who served and ran into danger and the service members who protect us and fought a war on terror and continue to fight the war on terror,” Tedford said.

On that day in 2001, 2,996 people died, including 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers.

As a mayor of a military city, Tedford said he’s appreciative of local law enforcement and fire fighters who stand ready to protect the residents. He also believes it’s important to hold an annual ceremony.

“We read the chronology of terror to let people know what went on that day,” he said.

REMAINING VIGILANT

Tedford said communities like Fallon must remain vigilant, not knowing if a similar attack could occur again.

“We try to protect the people we care about,” Tedford said. “It could touch us here if we’re not careful. We are fortunate we live here in a great community and we’re fortunate to have a great quality of life. We always have to be on the lookout to be aware of our own surroundings.”

The attacks of 9/11 bring back thoughts of the Pearl Harbor attack almost 83 years ago, Tedford said. Likewise, the Tedford family was affected by the attack on the Hawaiian Islands, similar to some families were 23 years ago when young men or women enlisted.

“My dad signed up right after Pearl Harbor,” Tedford recalled. “It was one of the greatest attacks on America.”

Likewise, the attack on American soil in 2001 produced a similar affect with the deaths of a mother or father or siblings. Tedford said the devastation of 9/11 tugs at many people’s hearts.

“Life is changed forever, never the same,” Tedford said, adding many communities such as Fallon were also changed.

“It really touched my soul to see the hurt on people’s faces,” he added.

9/11 MEMORIAL

During every year’s remembrance, Tedford recognizes Fallon architect Frank Woodliff III, who was commissioned to design the memorial dedicated to 9/11; Jerry Mayfield, retired city of Fallon public works director who brought a steel beam from the World Trade Center to Fallon; and Army Spec. Jason Disney, who grew up in Fallon and died in a welding accident in Afghanistan in February 2002.

In addition to a speaker (not confirmed by press time), the city’s 9/11 ceremony will have a choir singing the national anthem, and the Churchill County High School Naval Junior ROTC Honor Guard presenting the colors. Near the end of the ceremony, the American Legion Ceremonial Team presents the three-volley salute.

After the ceremony, first responders and community members will place flowers on the city’s 9/11 memorial.

FALLON CEREMONY

What: City of Fallon’s 9/11 remembrance

When: Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

Where: Behind Fallon City Hall