Gary Deputy Fire Chief James Stantonl vividly recalls how he felt when he first heard about the collapse of the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001.
“The first tower fell and I sat straight up in my bed,” Stanton, who just finished an overnight shift at the fire station, said. “When the second tower fell I literally got out of my bed walked outside and looked up to the heavens and started crying for my brothers and sisters and first responders in New York.”
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Fifteen years after the terrorist attacks, Stanton and other Gary officials gathered on the steps of City Hall to remember the thousands of lives lost and honor the first responders Friday in a ceremony that will be repeated in other Northwest Indiana communities through Sunday’s anniversary
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Gary Police Chief Larry McKinley, Gary Common Council President Ronald Brewer and Stanton all addressed the audience as they reflected on the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history.
“It is no question that the tragedy that occurred on 9/11 tested the resolve of the nation,” Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said. “While we are eternally grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives we are all grateful for the faith that sustained us in the days that followed as a nation.”
At Friday’s tribute, dozens of people gathered in front of City Hall to participate. The police and fire guard raised the American flag to half-staff at the request of Gov. Mike Pence in honor of Patriot Day.
A group of people gathered on the steps of the Lake County Courthouse across the street from City Hall to watch the tribute. In the silent lulls of the ceremony, Sandra M. Hill, stood on the steps of the courthouse weeping, occasionally wiping her tears with a tissue.
“I can’t help but be emotional,” Hill said. “It’s a tragedy that affected everyone and it affected me,” Hill said, adding that she had relatives that lost their lives on 9/11. “It’s in my heart.”
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