Sunday, September 11, 2011 marked the ten year anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York. In order to honor the ones who lost their lives that day, first responders from around the region converged at the waterfront after a march that began downtown. This procession started with emergency vehicles, followed by first responders compiled of marchers from forty fire, law enforcement agencies and emergency medical and rescue agencies, as well as some family members. The march was led by a combined Honor Guard, Chattanooga Pipe Band, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Horse Patrol along with a combined motorcycle squad. All marchers carried a picture of first responders who lost their life when the twin towers collapsed.

The program started when the Chattanooga Pipe Band formed and played “Amazing Grace,” in front of the American flag that was flown between two fire ladder trucks.

When the formal ceremony began at 3:00 p.m. the UTC Chamber Singers sang the National Anthem while two Life Force Medical helicopters flew overhead. A bell ringing ceremony to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice was conducted by the Honor Guard.

City Council Chair Pam Ladd and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger offered their reflections on 9-11, as did the keynote speaker, Third District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.

The ending part of this event took place when the UTC Chamber Singers sang “In Remembrance,” that reaffirmed the emergency responders, who have sacrificed for us and continue to do so, will never be forgotten.