The ceremony was held in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. As a result of the attacks, nearly 3,000 people perished. Since then, 9/11 has been an annually recognized day of remembrance in America.
“These ceremonies allow us to just step back and reflect on what happened that awful day, and although it was horrible, it called our country together to unite,” said Michigan Sen. Gary Peters. “We need to be reminded from time to time that we are strong when we are united and focused as the American people.”
In addition to the 9/11 ceremony, a wreath was also laid for Bronze Star recipient Lance Cpl. Justin Ellsworth, who lost his life to an improvised explosive device near Al Sadan, Iraq.
“I think it’s important that we recognize that there are a lot of sacrifices made across the country by all our military men and women, and given an opportunity to remember our son in our hometown with many other Marines is very special,” said John Ellsworth, Gold Star father of Lance Cpl. Ellsworth. “Being apart of a ceremony like this was very humbling. We may carry this burden, but it’s great to see other people recognize that.”