22nd anniversary of attack is recalled
The sky on Monday was slightly overcast, a solemn contrast for those who looked up and remembered the brilliant, cloudless blue dawn that greeted the U.S. East Coast over two decades ago. On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States was stunned as terrorists hijacked and crashed four planes, changing America forever.
Both the cities of San Marcos and Kyle took time at the start of the work day Monday to hold ceremonies that paid homage to those who lost their lives on this day at the World Trade Center–a complex of seven buildings in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a field in rural Pennsylvania.
Members of the San Marcos Fire Department raised a treasured piece of history in front of City Hall in commemoration on Monday. The flag that they once again secured to the flagpole at City Hall and then raised into the sky, was the same banner that flew 22 years ago in San Marcos on 9/11.
'Everybody knew that it was a very significant day in our nation's history and that it would define the future,' San Marcos Fire Department Battalion Chief John Koenig said. 'With the towers falling, it holds a special place in everybody's heart.'
He added, 'The flag is a symbol of what it means to us and we only fly it once a year.'
On this day, 22 years ago, 343 New York City firefighters and 23 New York City police officers died, as they answered, without hesitation, the call to serve and protect.
More recent statistics show that the sacrifice of America's first responders is continuing, as it is now estimated that 341 firefighters, paramedics and support staff have died from 9/11-related illnesses in the years since the attacks.
For Jean Hahn, this morning's ceremony was important for her to witness in person. She brought with her a small toy bear to place on the memorial display. She also placed a carnation– there were buckets with white or blue flowers available–on the display set adjacent to the city's bell, which rang out this morning to honor those who died. 'This is my way of paying tribute to all those who were killed,' Hahn said.
