9/11 memorial service honors lives lost, first responders

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department hosted a September 11th memorial service Sunday to honor those lost 15 years ago and thank first responders for keeping the public safe.

The service was held at the Wilmington Firefighters’ Memorial at the Empie Park Fire Station.

“It’s a horrible tragedy that the United States suffered, you know, tremendous loss of life, and 15 years later you still want to honor and remember those that were lost and the emergency workers that sacrificed their lives that day,” Rescue Company 2 Master Firefighter Sal Delia said.

Dozens of community members came out for the event. The memorial service included a presentation of colors by the WFD Color Guard, speakers, songs, and a wreath ceremony.

“My husband Paul, he lost his cousin in 9/11,” Vicky Carey said. “Over time my mother in law acquired that particular picture and she made copies for all the family members to remember that we had lost a family member in 9/11 so my husband and I felt we wanted to gift that gift of that picture to the fire department in remembrance of all those who lost their life on 9/11.”

The Wilmington Fire Department says the Wilmington Firefighters’ Memorial was constructed to honor 7 of Wilmington’s bravest who lost their lives in the line of duty and the 343 NYC firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.

“You know, for all the responders that weren’t able to be here today, we just want you to know that we love you, and we’re praying for you,” Lead Pastor at Impact Church Donnie King said.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a steel artifact from the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York City. Surrounding the centerpiece are individual memorials for the Wilmington 7.

“To the first responders, to the men and women that are out there today, I want you to know that they’re no different, no different than those people who walked up those towers,” Wilmington Fire Chief Buddy Martinette said. “Every single day of my life I watch firefighters risk their lives to save people in this community.”

“Families can go on edge sometimes, every time we go to work because what we do dangerous, but we just want to thank the community and we ask the community to never stop showing your support for what we do and our pledge is that we will do everything we can to serve,” New Hanover County Fire Department Captain Frank Sellers said.