Honoring Heroes and History

Every year, the Clear Lake Fire Department hosts a tribute to the lives lost and the heroic efforts of first responders on September 11, 2001. This year’s event, titled “NEVER FORGET,” will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6 p.m. outside the Clear Lake Fire Station, and the entire community is invited to attend.

At the heart of this memorial stands a piece of history—a steel beam from the World Trade Center. This artifact, resting at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street, has been a solemn reminder of that fateful day for more than a decade. Brought back to Clear Lake in 2011 by eleven members of the fire department, the beam stands as both a symbol of remembrance and a visual tribute to the bravery of first responders who gave everything to save others.

A Community Reflection

The steel memorial is more than just a piece of history. It serves as a place for reflection and a reminder of the sacrifices made 23 years ago. Firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and everyday citizens responded with unmatched courage in the face of terror, and this memorial honors their legacy. It also stands as a teaching tool, encouraging younger generations to ask questions and understand the significance of 9/11 in our nation’s history.

This year’s memorial event will feature the singing of God Bless America by Carolyn Haugland and Emily Gerdts, a flag-raising ceremony, the placement of helmets to honor fallen first responders, and a presentation of colors by the VFW on guard. The guest speaker will be Ron Billings, who will share his reflections on the impact of 9/11 and the importance of remembrance. After the program, an emergency vehicle procession will take place around the lake, with lights on but no sirens, adding a solemn close to the evening’s events.

A Steel Legacy

The steel memorial at the Clear Lake Fire Station is not just a tribute to the past—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember. For those who have seen and touched the piece of the World Trade Center, it’s a  moving experience. The department encourages everyone, especially younger attendees, to visit the memorial, touch the steel, and take a moment to reflect on the heroic acts and the tremendous loss that occurred on September 11, 2001.

The memorial, located at 711 2nd Ave. N., is open for everyone to visit, and the fire department invites all law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments from surrounding areas to participate in the emergency vehicle procession following the service. If your department would like to participate, please contact the Clear Lake Fire Department to coordinate.

This 9/11, join the community of Clear Lake in remembering and honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that tragic day. The memorial, the steel, and the stories it represents will continue to stand as a powerful reminder: we must never forget.

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