Trooper Christopher Johnson plays Taps atop a Carson City firetruck Friday morning during the 9/11 Memorial service in Mills Park.
The 2001 attack known as 9/11 provoked a steely resolve to protect freedom rather than prompting Americans to cower, Mayor Robert Crowell said in a Carson City ceremony Friday.
He told city residents, military service men and women, veterans and first responders during an 8:46 a.m. ceremony at Mills Park despite the deaths of thousands in the separate but coordinated 2001 airliner skyjackings and suicidal missions by al-Qaida terrorists, there’s no quit in this nation.
“Osama Bin Laden is dead, but the al-Qaida threat has now been replaced by the even more brutal and radical Islamic state in Iraq and Syria — ISIS,” Crowell said. “To ISIS and others who would do us harm, know this: we may grow weary of war, we may mourn our dead, we may cry for our wounded, but we will never tire from defending our freedom.”
He said 9/11 was the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor, yet terrorists didn’t cower people as it instead “united us in steely resolve that extends to this day.” He pointed to recent events in making his case.
“Indeed,” Crowell said, “most recently three Americans traveling together on a high speed train in France thwarted a heavily armed Islamic terrorist bent on death and destruction, preventing him from getting his way.” He said as a result the three, aided by a British citizen, subdued the terrorist and were awarded the French Legion of Honor.
Friday’s ceremony was held at the World Trade Center Steel I-Beam Memorial located at Mills Park near the Marv Teixeira Pavilion. The event was replete with pertinent prayers, the Fire Department Color Guard in action, a moment of silence, other speeches, taps and retirement of the colors.
It also featured a moment before the mayor’s remarks when Crowell recognized and thanked Supervisor Jim Shirk for help in working earlier to bring the I-beam memorial to town, as well as on the day’s ceremony.
Sheriff Ken Furlong and Deputy Fire Chief Tom Tarulli delivered remarks as well, recalling various details of the attack and stressing remembrance of the fallen.
“Let none be forgotten in the steel, the concrete and the dust,” said Furlong.
“On this day of remembrance and service,” urged Tarulli, “may we never forget.”
Both men also echoed the theme of resolve covered by Crowell. Furlong said we’re stronger today because of those who have suffered, and the nation fully intends to preserve freedom. Tarulli focused as well on greater awareness and vigilance by both public safety personnel and regular citizens.
