MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - New York City wasn't alone as it remembered the attack on September 11, 2001. The Mid-South took time to honor the lives lost at the World Trade Center.
There wasn't a big crowd at the 9/11 Memorial Service in Downtown Memphis but what it lacked in numbers, it made up for in gravity and substance.
Top brass from the Memphis Fire and Police Departments led a processional down Adams Avenue to the Fire Museum. First responders during 9/11 were on their hearts and minds.
"It's our way of saying, 'We thank you, we appreciate you, we will never forget the sacrifice that you've given,'" said Memphis Fire Director Alvin Benson.
Firefighters tolled the bell in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters and paramedics who lost their lives on 9/11.
At a memorial service at the Forest Hill Funeral Home in Bartlett, it hit close to home.
“On 9/11, eleven years ago, I lost my brother-in-law,” Susan Brillaud said.
Brillaud says her brother-in-law, Michael Healey, was a lieutenant with the New York City Fire Department, a loving husband and father of three.
“I just want to honor him today as I do every day. He's our hero. He meant the world. We miss him and it's hard. It's hard everyday,” she said.
But services like the one in Bartlett and in downtown Memphis can only help.
“How do you say thank you to someone who has given their whole life, who has given their literal life in the protection of life and property in public service? There's no way to really do that but it is important to at least pause and remember those who have gone before us,” Benson said.
Mayor Wharton said that while many towns are scaling back 9/11 memorial services, that won't happen in Memphis. As long we dial 911 when there is an emergency, we will remember 9/11.
