Twenty-five years ago, America changed forever, said American Legion Post 256 Commander Matthew Parsons.
The lives of the thousands of innocent victims killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the first responders who tried to rescue them and those who responded in the aftermath of the tragic events that day must never be forgotten, Parsons said Sept. 11 during a ceremony at the Canandaigua American Legion Post.
The country found incredible strength in its people during its darkest hour, Parsons said, and American neighbors stood together as American flags flew everywhere. The resolve, and the stories behind it, must continue to be told.
"We have to keep talking about 9/11," Parsons said, especially to the young people who were born after
the attacks. "We tell them about the heroes who ran toward danger. We tell them about the American military who answered the call. We tell them how Americans came together."
Several dozen community members and first responders attended and participated in the Sept. 11 ceremony, which included a march beforehand along Main Street.
On that day in 2001 — which longtime Canandaigua firefighter Jack Thompson told the crowd was "the day the firemen cried" — and during the days that followed, guest speaker Tim Owens said the country showed its resolve to the world, as well as its "exceptional strength and patriotism."
All urged community members to ensure that what happened Sept. 11, 2001, is never forgotten.
"May we never forget the sacrifice, the courage and unity that Sept. 11 brought in our country," Parsons said.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua honors 9/11 heroes and victims
