Spokane Fire Department honors those lost on 9/11

We should all take the opportunity today to reflect on the freedoms and rights that make our nation so remarkable, to offer our thanks to those who commit their lives to protect those freedoms, and to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation. For the Spokane Fire Department, the victims very close to us were 343 brother FDNY Firefighters that were murdered on that day, and the literally thousands that became ill from mitigating the consequences of that horrible event.

September 11, 2001 changed history in a way that few events throughout world history have been capable of doing; it also changed the way that we think and feel about Public Service and our nation's security. Fortunately, that day also gave us a chance to show to the world that we are a great nation, and that our determination will not be shaken.

Seven years ago the Fire Service, emergency responders and citizens of this nation rose to the occasion and proved that what makes America so remarkable is that our capacity to do good will always outmatch the capacity of others to do evil.

We saw this great ability for good in the vigorous work of firefighters, risking their lives and working until they were physically unable to work any longer. We saw this great capacity for good in the effort by churches, local communities, and volunteer organizations to make the trauma of the victims their own, by giving their time and money to assist those in grief.

We also saw the capacity for good in the determination of the men and women that volunteered for military service who serve and defend our nation's values every minute of every day.

On this day, we encourage Spokane to take a moment to remember those that lost family and friends seven years ago as well as to protect those members of the military and public safety that continue to serve in order to guarantee our freedom.