In the shadow of Vancouver City Hall, Joe Fanning sat with his family during Tuesday’s Patriot Day memorial, attending for yet another year to honor his brother-in-law who was killed when the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.
“It’s like everyone was saying here today: ‘We can’t forget. We have to pay respect to him and all the others who risked and lost their lives,’ ” Fanning said, referring to his relative, Fire Capt. Walter Haynes.
City officials also told stories of individuals who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa. The victims included 343 New York City firefighters.
Nearly 3,000 people died 17 years ago in the attacks. The speakers at this year’s memorial emphasized the notion that despite the passage of time, most in attendance likely remember the day with haunting clarity.
Retired Col. Larry J. Smith — with the Community Military Appreciation Committee, one of the major sponsors of the local memorial event — said continual remembrance of the victims is needed to honor their sacrifice. He urged such commitment as what was believed to be military planes boomed overhead.
“I didn’t plan that, but it is appropriate for the day,” Smith said.
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle was the first among several city officials to give remarks during the hourlong memorial that included an invocation, a rifle salute, the playing of taps and “Amazing Grace,” and the release of dozens of white doves.
The mayor recounted the moments leading up to and the conclusion of the hijackings, particularly focusing on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania.
The passengers of that flight “did the most American thing I can think of, they took a vote,” McEnerny-Ogle said. “They decided to prevent the loss of more lives and acted” by attacking the terrorists in control of the plane.
“We support one another … and never give up,” the mayor said.
McEnerny-Ogle said she believes in the idea that the attacks brought Americans closer together. She asked people in attendance to set aside their differences and focus on what makes them similar, such as a love for family and freedom.
Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain echoed those sentiments. McElvain said remembering what happened on this date all those years ago puts life in perspective. Reflecting on the good makes all of life’s little problems seem insignificant, he said.
“We cannot eliminate danger and evil in our society, but we can focus on the heroes among us,” McElvain said.
Fanning, the relative of the 9/11 victim, said he believes the current divisiveness in the country does not take away from the officials’ stated belief of strength and unity.
“People choose to be divisive, but it’s that freedom of choice that makes our country great,” he said. “You have the freedom to do whatever you want, man.”
