Joe Hermman with the Hastings Fire and Rescue Honor Guard tolls the bell five times for the victims of 9/11, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — The City of Hastings hosted a somber ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil at New Hope Baptist Church on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Pastor and chaplain for Hastings Fire and Rescue, Eddie Goff, offered the opening prayer after the presentation of the colors was conducted by the Hastings Fire and Rescue Honor Guard.
There were six readings noting the significant times during the morning of Sept. 11, 2001:
- 8:46 a.m. – American Airlines crashes into floors 93 to 99 of the North World Trade Center – read by Tom Treffer, Hastings Fire and Rescue.
- 9:03 a.m. – United Airlines 175 crashes into floors 77 to 85 of the South World Trade Center – read by Mark Hinrichs, Hastings Police
- 9:37 a.m. – American Airlines 77 crashes into the Pentagon – read by Nathan Hanson, Hastings Police
- 9:59 a.m. – The South Tower collapses – read by Sam Margheim, Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Department
- 10:03 a.m. – United Airlines 93 crashes into a field near Shanksville, Penn. – read by Anthony Murphy, Hastings Fire and Rescue
- 10:38 a.m. – The North Tower collapses – read by Brad Cunnigham, Hastings Police
- Rescue of Survivors – World Trade Center – Darin Clark, Retired Hastings Fire and Rescue member, current Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue
After each reading, a bell was struck five times by a member of the Hastings Fire and Rescue Honor Guard, its rings echoing loudly through the church’s sanctuary.
It was explained that historically, the toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station.
Departments also sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice.
The address was provided by state Senator Dan Lonowski.
Lonowski said Sept. 11, 2001, is a date marked by tragedy, bravery, loss and resilience. He said four coordinated terrorist attacks took the lives of over 3,000 people and affected countless others in the United States and around the world.
He said remembrance is not just about recalling the past but learning from it and moving forward with those lessons. “We must remember the importance of vigilance, preparedness and the defense of freedom and human dignity,” Lonowski said.
Lonowski noted that his youngest child is now a 24-year-old teacher and has no recollection of this event. He noted they can only teach about 9/11 from a history book, and he said it is up to us who remember that day to continue sharing our stories about the day and its impact.
He said that the Twin Towers, symbols of prosperity were attacked and collapsed amid “flame and dust.” The Pentagon, the heart of American military power, was also struck.
“Who can forget United Airlines 93, when the passengers fought to prevent an even larger catastrophe,” Lonowski said.
Amid the tragedy and fear, Lonowski said the firefighters, police officers, EMTs and ordinary citizens ran toward the danger and put their lives on the line in an effort to save others. He said that their actions remind us of the best of humanity.
“People from all walks of life came together,” Lonowski said.
Lonowski said as the younger generation who were born after 9/11 grow up, he said it is incumbent upon those who remember that day to help them also to “Never Forget.”
Lonowski closed by saying let us hope for a future where love outshines terror.
