Emergency personnel of Wetzel County hold their candles as dusk falls over New Martinsville and the 9/11 commemorative event downtown Sunday. (Photo by Miranda Stokes)

The New Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department hosted a public memorial event to commemorate the attacks of September 11th, 2001, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of emergency services workers and thousands of citizens in the New York City, N.Y.; Washington, D.C., Metropolitan areas; as well as in the skies over Shanksville, Pa.

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. with the sounding of 10 fire bells, representing the 10th anniversary of the attacks on that unforgettable day. The crowd, assembled along Washington Street in front of the main entrance to the city building, were led in the singing of the National Anthem by Ryan Ritchea followed by an opening prayer by the Reverend Mike Shank.

Mayor Lucille Blum was the first to speak in sharing her reflection on the day’s meaning. “The very freedom that we exercise today by coming here, and being here, and by speaking here was threatened, but was not destroyed,” she stated. “We stand strong as a nation, free as a people, and thankful as survivors.”

Blum acknowledged the NMVFD’s noble efforts in organizing the memorial and thanked them for their service to the community, saying: “They protect us daily and encourage us to remember 9/11 and those who lost their precious lives on that day.” Noting a fitting quote she’d heard that morning which said, “Out of the worst of humanity came the best of humanity,” Blum resolved, “The volunteers in the New Martinsville Fire Department are truly among the best of humanity.”

Wetzel County Sheriff James Hoskins shared his story on where he was the day of the attacks. Hoskins expressed his sincere admiration for the those who performed so heroically on that day, saying, “The sacrifices and heroism of people from all walks of life were displayed that day on 9/11. They showed true courage of the American Spirit. They never gave up and they pushed forward in their desire to save the lives of those trapped in the towers.”

With the assistance of the Moundsville VFD, a symbolic arch called the “Fireman’s Salute” was made to honor servicemen and emergency responders.

In an emotional conclusion, Hoskins encouraged those present to always remember the people who were most greatly affected a decade ago. “Let us remember those who went to work like any other day and never came home. Let us remember the first responders who risked their lives to save others. Let us remember the families that mourn lost loved ones. Let us remember those who have lost their lives to protect freedom.”

Other guest speakers included Charlie Racer of the Paden City Volunteer Fire Company, who shared what being in the fire service meant to him. “We help people–that’s our primary job,” he said. Duncan Graham spoke on what it is we shouldn’t forget about 9/11, saying, “Never forget the heroes who upheld our way of life,” and “Never forget who we are and how we got here.”

County Commissioner Scott Lemley read a letter to the crowd from Senator John D. Rockefeller IV. In this letter Rockefeller wrote, “Out of devastation came unity. Our nation’s extraordinary response to 9/11 highlighted the deep compassion we have as a nation and for one another. We found solace and comfort not only in friends and family, but in strangers. We understood that we are in this together, as Americans.”

In addition to his words of hope, Rockefeller shared encouraging information regarding national security. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Rockefeller outlined that homeland security summits have been held annually, aimed at improving safety efforts. “And, as a result of recommendations from our first responders, I’m working on public safety legislation to create a high-tech nationwide wireless network that allows them to better communicate in emergencies.”

Wetzel County EMS President Jim Colvin made a moving speech detailing the events of that tragic day and helping all of us come to terms with what transpired and keep the faith in God and Country.

Members of the community gather to reverently reflect on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“As the survivors were running out of the Trade Center buildings, the firemen were running into those same buildings trying to save all the people they could,” Colvin began. At the World Trade Center, 343 firefighters and 2,400 civilians were killed. “Behind the staggering number of deaths are the individuals, each of whom left behind family, friends, and coworkers, who still feel this national tragedy on a personal level every day,” he said.

Colvin went on to speak about how many people still question how God could let a tragedy like 9/11 happen. “Many people have asked, ‘Where was God in all of this?'” Colvin said. To this, Colvin replied that God was in fact there.

“God was on commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. On one of the flights God was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers. God was holding up two 110-story buildings so that two-thirds of the workers could get out,” said Colvin. “God was in the rescue workers who were running into the buildings as most people were running out. God was in the people who stood bleeding in line to give blood. God was in the strangers in cars, picking up strangers stranded in the city and taking them home to their families. God is in the people who are comforting someone even when they don’t know what to say. God is in my neighborhood where I see flags waving from every home. God is with the heroes, most of whom will never be on the news, whose stories will only be told to their closest friends and family, but who saved someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter with a single act of bravery and compassion. God was not in the hearts of the people that caused these inhumane events. However, God was indeed there, where he was needed the most.”

At dusk, candles were distributed and lit. The crowd silently held their candles as downtown Main Street flickered in the reverent glow of the candlelight. American Legion Post 28 sounded a gun salute followed by the playing of Taps. The Reverend Dr. Victor L. Hunter performed an uplifting benediction.

The crowd joined together in both prayer and song that evening, collectively singing along to the musical selections played throughout the ceremony including Lee Greenwood’s classic patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” Toby Keith’s “American Soldier,” and Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” In fitting fashion, a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless America.”

Many emergency service organizations attended the 9/11 ceremony, as evident from the long line of service vehicles aligned along south Main Street.

At the close of the ceremony, the community lingered in the street in fellowship with family and friends, extending their appreciation for the local firemen, first responders, and police.

A “Flag of Honor” created from the names of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of 9/11 adorns a fire truck.