Members of the Madison community joined together to honor the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks at an event sponsored by the Madison Police Department Saturday afternoon.
Police officers, firefighters, residents and members of the military listened solemnly to Alan Jackson’s words “Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day”? The song’s lyrics played to the theme of the event’s title, “Remembrance and Reflection of 9/11.”
The half-hour long ceremony held on the Monona Terrace Rooftop included speeches from Madison’s service departments, a fire service salute and commemorative music.
Joe Ellingson, a Madison firefighter paramedic, said along with impacting the community, Sept. 11 also changed the way service industries operate.
He said the tragedy directly affected the Madison Fire department. Since Sept. 11, the department has received more federal funding and adopted a “one-step ahead” mentality.
Along with service men and women, the event drew city employees and Madison families to come and pay their respects.
“It is fitting that every year Americans come together and honor the 3,000 people who died [on Sept. 11],” MPD Captain Carl Gloede said. “Today we recall and celebrate what we learned about ourselves on that day.”
Gloede said on the morning of Sept. 11 he was sitting at his desk in the City-County Building completing paperwork when he learned of the first plane crash, a moment he said he would never forget.
“The whole thing felt surreal,” Gloede said.
He said he believes it is important to remember the past and not only pay tribute to the dead, but also to the men and women of service. He added Americans should equally honor the ordinary people who chose to help others in the face of death.
Madison Police Chief Noble Wray also spoke at the event and said honoring Sept. 11 is just as important today as it was 9 years ago.
“It was something that brought us together as a country then and it should be something that brings us together on an annual basis,” Wray said.
UW alumna Colleen Kaftan said it is important to take time to remember Sept. 11 no matter the circumstances.
“I felt like there were not enough people here,” Kaftan said. “Earlier today it was all fun and games, but we really need to pause and remember [Sept. 11].”
Ironman festivities also surrounded the event and played a role during the program. Next year the race will fall on Sept. 11.
Wisconsin Ironman race director Ryan Richards announced 100 spaces will be reserved for men and women of service to participate in honoring the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11.
Members of the fire department, EMS, the police department and armed forces are all invited to race. Participants will fundraise and receive special recognition of their services to the community, Richards said.
As of the afternoon of the ceremony, approximately 25 city employees have already committed to participating next year in memory of Sept. 11.
