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By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
Twenty-five years have passed since the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, but the images, stories and sacrifices of that day remain deeply etched in our nation’s memory.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on New York City, the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93. Among them were hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers and other first responders who answered the call to help others, even as extraordinary danger unfolded around them.
For the fire service, Sept. 11 has a particularly profound meaning.
The 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who died that day became enduring symbols of the courage and selflessness at the heart of the profession. Their sacrifice continues to resonate with firefighters across the country, including the men and women of the College Station Fire Department.
Legacy of Service
For today’s firefighters, the lessons of Sept. 11 are more than history.
The College Station Fire Department’s personnel respond every day to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and other emergencies across our community. They continually train and prepare for situations they hope never occur, knowing that when an emergency does happen, others are counting on them to respond.
That commitment to service connects generations of firefighters and first responders and gives special meaning to the promise to never forget those who gave their lives on Sept. 11.
A quarter century later, many of today’s younger firefighters – and an increasing number of Americans – have little or no personal memory of that day. Preserving its stories and understanding the sacrifices made by first responders have therefore become even more important.
Our Piece of 9/11
Our community has a tangible connection to that history at the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial in College Station’s Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Along the memorial’s Lynn Stuart Pathway is the War on Terror Memorial, where a steel relic recovered from one of the World Trade Center towers provides a powerful physical connection to Sept. 11.
Life-sized bronze statues of a firefighter, police officer and special operations soldier stand nearby, representing those who responded at home and those who served in the conflicts that followed.
The War on Terror site is part of the 12-acre Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, which honors veterans from throughout our nation’s history. The memorial also includes the Wall of Honor, interpretive displays, and memorial sites along the pathway.
It is a place to remember, but also a place for future generations to learn.
Remembering Together
On Friday, the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the War on Terror site at the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial . The free ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a 5-5-5 bell ringing, wreath laying, 21-gun salute and Silver Taps. The public is invited to attend.
Time makes remembrance no less important. If anything, it gives us a greater responsibility to preserve the stories of those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and ensure future generations understand why we promise never to forget.
On Sept. 11, College Station remembers.
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her third year as assistant director of public communications. She previously served as marketing and communications director at the City of Navasota. Lehrmann lived most of her life in Australia and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from Queensland University of Technology.
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