'For many of us, it's like yesterday': Families of those lost in 9/11 attacks gather at memorial in Kewaskum
KEWASKUM, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In remembrance of the day that changed our nation, several guests spoke at a ceremony in Kewaskum Wednesday at the site of the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial.
For three years, the 9/11 Memorial and Education Center in Kewaskum has served as a local outlet for those impacted by the events on Sept. 11, 2001.
Each year, the space brings the community together.
"9/11 is a solemn day. It took place 23 years ago, but for many of us, it's like yesterday," said Ronaldo Vega, a member of the 9/11 Disaster Rescue and Recovery team at Ground Zero.
Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial located in Kewaskum
He joined dozens in Kewaskum Wednesday to pay their respects at the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial, which bears a steel beam from the north tower.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it's a hard day," said Julie Osmus. She's the sister of Andrea Haberman, a 25-year-old from Kewaskum who died in the north tower.
Haberman was in New York that day for a business meeting.
"Andrea is one story of about 3,000 stories, and all of those families have a story," Osmus said.
"It's nice that we stop and remember it, because it's an everyday thing for me, as for anyone who loses someone important in their life," said attendee, Julie Henneberry.
She shares the Haberman family's grief, as her father, Lt. Peter Fruend, was a New York City firefighter.
She was 10 year sold when he died in the north tower.
"I go back and forth between being proud and angry," Henneberry explained.
She moved to Milwaukee as an adult and met the Habermans at the 9/11 Memorial two years ago.
"I didn't know who she was, but I knew the cry, and I went up to her and gave her a hug," Osmus said.
"They're a really great support system," Henneberry said.
In November, she will be running the New York Marathon through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The race is a way to honor both Andrea and Henneberry's father.
"I feel like I'm going back to New York on my own terms," she said.