9/11 memorial ceremony held in Southport

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — This year marks 23 years since the terrorist attack of 9/11, an event that reshaped American history forever. 

The Southport Fire Department paid respects on Wednesday to the lives of first responders who were lost. The names and pictures of firefighters, police, and EMS were placed on red, white, and blue tables. 

While it’s been more than two decades, Fire Chief Charles Drew said it’s important for younger people to know about this tragic day. 

“So many people now today that weren’t even born, they don’t realize the impact that it had on the emergency services personnel and the fire service. So, I think it’s always important that we remember and that we never forget,” Drew said. 

The fire department unraveled four flags, one for each plane that crashed on 9/11. 

“I’ve had so many citizens come up to me that have moved to the area now that were closely related to people that gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day,” Drew added. 

New residents like Captain James Krieger. During 9/11, Krieger was a firefighter for the New York Fire Department in the Bronx. He now lives in Wilmington. 

“Many of us were home, and when we heard the call, we were all recalled. Some of us served at the site, and some of us were waiting to see what else would happen,” Krieger recalled. 

A single day with an impact that spans decades. 

“An event like that changes lives way outside of the 343 members that we lost. There were children that never knew their fathers, wives that hardly knew their husbands,” Krieger noted. 

Krieger said for him and so many others, remembrance is about more than just grief. 

“I’m reminded of the words of the philosopher Santayana that said, ‘those who fail to study history are condemned to repeat it,’ and that’s why we’re here every year,” Krieger said. 

Even today, according to the New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, around 40% of the victims that died at ground zero are still unidentified.