Avon Hosts 9/11 Observance

The City of Avon hosted a solemn 9/11 Observance last Saturday morning at the community’s Veterans Memorial.

Community members gathered with city officials, police and firefighters to mark the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks that struck our nation on Sept. 11, 2001.

In his keynote address, Mayor Bryan Jensen spoke of the importance of remembering those who gave all in an attempt to save others. The Mayor, his voice cracking, recalled how firefighters and police kept going into the crumbling towers ignoring the ultimate risk in the hope of saving others.

“The mark of this day is to never forget,” said Mayor Jensen, calling for a renewal of unity like the nation experienced in the wake of 9/11. “Maybe today, when we go home with our children and our family, we should try to remember. Maybe we should all write down 10 things to never forget.”

Mayor Jenson was joined by Fire Chief David Swope in remarks. “How would you feel if something tragic, something unthinkable, something that will change lives forever would happen in just minutes?” asked Chief Swope. “Would you stand motionless, waiting and watching in disbelief of what is to come? For those of us who were around that September morning, I believe I am not alone when I say that’s how we all felt when that first plane hit the north tower. Just seconds later, firefighters were called on to assist some 20,000 people trapped in burning devastation. “The mission became to evacuate and rescue as many people as possible.

“Firefighters will risk a lot to save a lot and risk a little to save a little, such as property,” said Chief Swope. In that vein, firefighters and first responders went to work. More than 14,400 people were evacuated and rescued in the ultimate mission.

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