RAPID CITY, S.D. – Recognizing the tragic events 25 years ago, hundreds gathered Friday in Founder’s Park to remember 9/11 and honor the first responders and civilians who were lost that day.
On Friday, first responders, military, city and state leaders and the community gathered at the park to remember the events of 9/11, how they changed us, and share the lessons learned.
Twenty-five years ago, September 11 began as a normal morning for firefighters, airline personnel, the military and the public, Col. Erick Lord, Commander, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, said.
“None of them knew before that morning was over history would ask something extraordinary of all of them,” Lord said. “The people we honor today did not wake up expecting to become heroes, they simply reached a moment when they had to decide if they were willing to do something for someone else. Firefighters climbed stairs when others moved down, police officers and paramedics moved towards danger, strangers stopped to help other strangers.”
Col. Erick Lord, Commander, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base
The Rapid City Firefighters Association and Ellsworth Firefighters Association held the 9/11 Day of Remembrance. While an older generation will never forget the events of 9/11, for a younger generation, it’s history.
“The 25th anniversary carries a special significance because an entire generation has grown up without a personal memory of September 11,” Rapid City Fire Chief Jason Culberson said. “That places a responsibility on those of us who remember. We must continue to tell the story, we must remember the people who were lost, honor the families who still carry that loss, and teach the next generation what courage, service, and sacrifice looked like that day.”
Rapid City Fire Chief Jason Culberson
The day was also a reminder of the changes that came over the country in the days after 9/11. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said the country came together after 9/11 as the nation was shaken, yet turned to each other, rather than away.
In Rapid City, that spirit of collaboration is seen across departments.
“This is a day that reminds us that when crisis strikes the lines behind our agencies vanish,” said Rapid City Chief of Police Don Hedrick. “Police, fire, EMS, service members, we’re all bound by the same oath… This day reminds us those that proudly wear the uniform, we are a team, we are the front line dedicated to standing between danger and the people we have sworn to protect.”
Following the ceremony, first responders, military personnel, veterans, and community members, joined together for a ruck march up M-Hill starting at 9:11 a.m., symbolizing the 110 stories climbed by FDNY firefighters at the World Trade Center.
Mike Reed, South Dakota State Wildland
