Brave Americans took on several daunting challenges on Sept. 11, 2001, to help others; it cost many of them their lives. Their example can inspire us to meet challenges of our own.
That was the message Monday morning as the community paused to remember the nearly 3,000 people who died 16 years earlier in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa. The victims included 343 New York City firefighters.
At least two community members at the ceremony were remembering one particular New York fire captain, as well as eight firefighters who died with him.
Joe Fanning’s shirt was a tribute to his brother-in-law, Fire Capt. Walter Hynes. The leader of Ladder Co. 13, Hynes was killed when the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York collapsed.
Fanning was accompanied by his daughter, 9-year-old Olivia Fanning. She was wearing a FDNY cap to commemorate the uncle she never knew.
“He was killed evacuating the building,” Joe Fanning said. “He was just a few feet from making it out. His was the 13th or 14th death certificate issued.”
“You don’t forget people who lay down their lives,” said Larry Smith, the event’s master of ceremonies.
“It’s a rare person who can give so much so other people can live safely and securely,” Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt said. “Honor their memory by helping one another. Set aside what makes us different and focus on what makes us the same.”
In the aftermath of that tragedy, “We showed the world that no matter that happens, we will stand shoulder to shoulder to protect that which is just and right,” Leavitt said.
Other participants in the Patriot Day ceremony next to City Hall included commanders of Vancouver first-response agencies, Fire Chief Joe Molina and Police Chief James McElvain.
Molina pointed to how Vancouver residents faced a huge challenge 150 years ago.
“Fire consumed large portions of downtown Vancouver,” Molina said. That led to the formation of the Vancouver Fire Department in 1867.
Today’s challenges include “poverty, injustice and homelessness,” Molina said. “If we are willing to come together in a common purpose, they can be met.”
Police Chief McElvain observed that “someone once said that hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. I choose hope.”
A wreath was placed at the flagpole in front of City Hall in honor of all who lost their lives on 9/11, and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars fired a rifle salute. A ceremonial fire bell was sounded and 51 doves were released.
The event was sponsored by the Community Military Appreciation Committee and Waste Connections.
Other commemorative events were held by Fire District 3 at the Hockinson fire station and by the Camas-Washougal Fire Department at the Camas station.
