First responders, community members honor 9/11 heroes and victims

Area first responders and others paid tribute Wednesday morning to those who died 23 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Firefighters from the Tahlequah Fire Department and area rural fire departments, police officers, those from the Northeastern State University Reserve Officer Training Corps, and others trekked 110 stories at NSU’s Doc Wadley Stadium, which is the equivalent of those who climbed the stairs in the World Trade Center.

Twenty-three years ago, 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, one K-9 officer, and eight EMS workers were killed in the attacks. More than 3,000 civilians died and more than 6,000 were injured after four commercial passenger planes were hijacked by individuals from the Al Qaeda terrorist group.

Two of the planes crashed into each tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third struck the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane plummeted into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers tried to intervene to prevent it from hitting another site that was targeted in the capitol.

"Today we climb in remembrance of the 343 firefighters, the police officers, and all of the responders who ascended those stairs in the World Trade Center, knowing the dangers ahead but driven by their duty to save lives. Each step we take today is a tribute to their courage, their selflessness, and their ultimate sacrifice," said Tahlequah Fire Chief Casey Baker. "As we climb, let us carry their memory in our hearts and honor their legacy by living with the same dedication to the service, community, and love for one another."

The mark that was made that day is still felt today as more than 500 firefighters have lost their lives from working at the toxic site months and years after the tragedy.

"We climb today not to just remember but to ensure that their bravery is never forgotten. We will never forget" Baker said.

The firefighters of the Tahlequah Fire Department hold a Bell Ceremony at Station 1 at 9 a.m., every year on Sept. 11.

Tahlequah Fire Chaplain Clif Loman read from the Gospels as he spoke about the tragedy during the ceremony: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” from John 15:13.

The tradition used by firefighters is the sound of a bell has several significant meanings. In the past, the bell signaled the beginning of that day’s shift.

“Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which called them to duty and to place their life in jeopardy for the good of their fellow men and women,” Assistant Fire Chief Mark Whittmore said.

The bell rang three times to signal the end when the call ended and the alarm was completed.

“And now our brothers and sisters having completed their task, their duties well done, and the bell rings three times followed by a pause, three times followed by a pause and three times in memory and in tribute to their life and service,” Whittmore said.

The bell also signifies when a firefighter is killed in the line of duty.

"The heroes of 9/11 are stark reminders of the ultimate sacrifice that you are willing to face head-on. Those heroes are an inspiration that your job includes a sacrifice that is no little thing. I give thanks to God that the leaders of your department continue to strive to give you the best gear, training, equipment, and whatever else is needed to keep you safe," Loman said.

Most people, who are old enough, remember where they were 23 years ago today. Parents were rushing out the front door to take their children to school, many were driving down the interstate heading into work, and millions were about to have their lives forever changed.

I was in fourth grade and I remember walking into my dad's bedroom, where he had the local news on. The coverage of a skyscraper on fire was on the TV. I remember thinking it was the BOK Tower in Tulsa that was on fire. My sisters and I were ready to go to leave for school and sitting in the living room, watching the news.

I looked away for just a second when my sister screamed, "That was a plane! Dad, a plane just hit the other building!." My dad's response, "That wasn't an accident. That was on purpose."

Maybe I was destined to report the news because I immediately began telling my friends and fellow classmates what I saw, and what was happening. They didn't know what I was talking about. I was sitting in the library when Mr. Reading ran in and told Mrs. Shelton, "Both buildings are gone. They don't exist anymore."

Every Sept. 11, we remember those who didn't make it to Sept. 12, 2001.