Remembering victims, heroes of 9/11

Thousands of miles away and after 15 years, the community comes together to remember September 11.

Sunday was the 15th anniversary of the attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pa. and people across the country paid their respects to those who died in the attacks. Of those to pay respects were the Troy and Troy Rural Volunteer Fire Department and the Libby Christian Church.

Every year since 2002, the fire department in Troy has held the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11. Troy Fire Chief Larry Chapel said he hopes other fire departments do the same as they do, to honor the loss of over 300 firefighters’ lives.

Despite the cold and rain, a group of around 40 people stood across the street from the uniformed firefighters standing at attention as the ceremony began. As firefighting tradition goes, a siren went off, followed by the ringing of the bell, which signifies the passing of a firefighter. After the bell ringing, the bagpipes version of “Amazing Grace” played on a speaker.

“It’s nice to know somebody’s still listening,” Chapel said. “It could have been any station anywhere.”

Between the two doors at the fire department, below an old brass Great Northern Railway bell, hangs a plaque that reads, “In honor & memory of those who served on 9-11-2001.”

A similar ceremony also took place on Sunday morning at the Libby Christian Church, where the Libby Volunteer Fire Department brought firetrucks and their own bell for a ringing of the bell.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com