El Paso holds memorials to remember 9/11
EL PASO, Texas -- It’s been 20 years since that fateful September day that the United States endured. And 20 years ago the nation promised that it would never forget.
Throughout the country, events were organized to commemorate the lives lost. And the city of El Paso also observed the day and all the lives taken.
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The 'Flags Across America' ceremony was held Saturday with El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar in attendance. She said that it is important that the city ponders on these moments.
“It’s important to reflect on moments like these. Moments when our country was tested, Americans were tested when we were attacked and we came together to defend the rights and freedom and this is one of those days for us to remember our strength and our resolve and resilience,” Escobar said.
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The El Paso Fire Department also held a memorial ceremony at Fire Station 18 to commemorate the lives lost to the attacks. September 11, 2001 was the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the nation.
At that event, City Council Representative Peter Svarzbein said that he still remembers what he was doing when America was attacked. Svarzbein added that September 11 showed how Americans can respond.
“All of us humans have a way to respond to tragedy and to pain, we can meet with violence and with anger and destruction or we could lead with light and love and compassion and I think that is one lesson that we have heard from 9/11,” he said.
Also present at the EPFD memorial was El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, who said that he continues to remember the men and women who gave their lives for the nation.
“They are out there to protect our city, our country and that is why we are here to remember the men and women who gave their lives 20 years ago,” Leeser said.
