23 years later, Milwaukee remembers 9/11 attacks

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. There are events being held across our area including Milwaukee's annual remembrance ceremony held Wednesday morning. 

It's an annual ceremony that takes place at Milwaukee's War Memorial Center each year, and this year was no different. The impact of 9/11 is still felt across the country and here in our city as well. 

"On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 we stop and pause on Patriots' Day as it's known today to just remember the sacrifice that the world, the nation and the world suffered that day – the loss but also to celebrate the heroism," said Dan Buttery, president and CEO of the War Memorial Center.

First responders, city leaders, and local veterans came together to reflect on what 9/11 means to them, to acknowledge the thousands of lives lost that day, and to remember the heroes of that day. 

A wreath-laying ceremony during the program was a chance for Milwaukee leaders to do just that. 

Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball was in attendance, as well as Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and other local leaders. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson gave remarks during the ceremony and spoke to us after about what this day means to him. 

"Beyond the attack, beyond the carnage and the destruction came out a renewed American spirit, came unity, came people who signed up to go into the armed forces, came people who decided to become police officers, firefighters, or perhaps even run for office. People who wanted to serve, people who wanted to help in our country and I think it reminded people that there's way more that brings people together then that separates us. That's what 9/11 means to me," Mayor Johnson said. 

Johnson also talked about how he was in high school when 9/11 happened and told us he remembers the impact of the day and that it was one of the reasons he decided he wanted to go into public office to help make a difference in the community.