911 Remembrance

The Lincoln Fire and Rescue Department, the Lincoln Police Department and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department paid tribute to the first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 during and following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The ceremony at the Capitol included LFR Chief Despain, PLD Chief Bliemeister and Sheriff Wagner. The program began with the presentation of colors accompanied by the LFR Pipe Band. After speeches and a replay of the first call from the New York Fire Department after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, there was a moment of silence. Then a fire bell was rung to mark the completion of duty for those who lost their lives doing their duty, running into harms way. To conclude the ceremony the flag at the Capitol was ceremonially lowered to half staff, a lone bugle played taps and there was a 21 gun salute. The Pipe and Drum Band played Amazing Grace as a solemn finish to a very moving ceremony on the Capitol’s north plaza. The 911 Remembrance at the Capitol began with the National Anthem and speeches addressing the bravery of our nation’s first responders. In honor of 343 New York Firefighters, 23 New York Police Officers, and 37 Port Authority Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001, we promise to “Never Forget” and though you are no longer with us, you will remain in our memories forever”.  A moment of silence was followed by the ringing of a bell. The Color Guard lowers the Capitol’s flag. All flags across the United States are to be flown at half staff from sunrise until sundown on September 11 in remembrance.  The Pipe and Drum Band play Amazing Grace at the conclusion of the program. Those assembled for the program begin to disperse as the American flag waved in the breeze. It was a beautiful morning to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow man. The firefighter’s bell is a symbol of duty. It is rung to begin and conclude a firefighter’s day. Ringing the bell honored those first responders whose shifts ended 16 years ago. The ringing bell, the sound of Taps and the haunting pipes echoed off the limestone facade of the Capitol as a reminder of the loss of life on September 11. 2001. We will never forget.