People across the country remembered the victims of 9-11 yesterday. In North Carolina, the ceremonies took many forms and were held in many communities.
Firefighters gathered near the airport in Morrisville to remember fellow first responders killed at the World Trade Center. They did it by climbing and walking the equivalent of 110 stories, while wearing photos of their fallen colleagues around their neck.
And later, the North Carolina Symphony gave a special performance at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh.
Fire Chief Todd Wright: "On behalf of the Morrisville fire and rescue department, the town of Morrisville, Mayor Jackie Holkhom, and all the town council members, welcome to the 9-11 ceremony and stair climb event."
Shandy Padgett: "So what we have is 41 firefighters, rescue workers that have come out here to memorialize these 343 fallen firefighters. This building that we’re using is only 6 stories high, so we’re doing a modified climb to equal the 110 flights."
Speaker: "Some of us come today struggling still to find peace and hope in our lives. Other of us come to be of comfort to those who hurt from the pain of their losses."
Joe Burris: "My name is Joe Burris and I’m with Eastern Pines Fire and Rescue in Greenville North Carolina and we brought 8 participants up. It’s hard to think it’s been 10 years, it’s just flown by. I’ve thought about… I have several friends on FDNY, none of those perished. But they’re all disabled now as a result of their exposure to the elements at ground zero. So it’s taken a toll on just more than the 343."
Speaker: "Good morning. I’m going to call off the names of the climbers and then the FDNY firefighters that that climber is carrying. Assistant Chief Joe Burris, Eastern Pines Fire rescue… Firefighter Joseph Matheo, Ladder 101… Firefighter William J Mahoney, rescue 4…"
Dave DeWitt: "How much more you got?"
Burris: "1 more lap. I’m OK. My feet are bothering me more than anything. With my turnout gear on, it’s quite hot, that’s the most cumbersome thing is the heat… You know, I knew it was going to be tough. I’m just glad I completed it. I wasn’t going to give myself the choice. As they say at NASA, failure was not an option."
Governor Bev Perdue: "As Governor, I’m notified of every North Carolina military death. And each life cut short is a stark and solemn reminder of that September morning, ten years ago."
Mark Scearce: "It’s hard for a person to draw up an experience of ten years ago, but art can do that. Art can set aside the moment and emotionally pull you back in for that moment of reflection."
