Mercer County Memorial to Mark 25 Years Since September 11 Attacks

CELINA — The Mercer County Firefighters Association Color Guard will hold a special memorial service to mark 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The service is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at North Shore Park in Celina.

On September 11, 2001, hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back. The attacks killed 2,977 people.

President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office that evening.

“America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world,” Bush said.

Bush praised the courage of rescue workers and the generosity of people who donated blood and helped their neighbors. He also announced that the federal government’s emergency response plans had been activated and assured Americans that the military was prepared.

Twenty-five years later, the Mercer County memorial will provide residents with an opportunity to remember the victims and reflect on the response that followed the attacks.

Color Guard member Monte Diegel said the anniversary is also an opportunity to teach younger generations about the history and significance of September 11. Many students and young adults living today were not yet born when the attacks occurred.

The local observance will begin with a procession of public safety vehicles at approximately 1:30 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. and is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes.

The program will include music, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Mercer County Commissioner Brian Miller and Mendon Fire Chief Darrell Etgen are scheduled to deliver remarks.

Diegel said the service will honor everyone killed during the attacks, including the hundreds of firefighters, police officers and other first responders who died while trying to save others.

The Mercer County Firefighters Association Color Guard is leading the memorial and covering the expenses associated with the event.

The September 13 service at North Shore Park is free and open to the public.