Indy Airport Commemorates 16th Anniversary of 9/11

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 11, 2017) – Today the Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted a ceremony at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to commemorate the sixteenth anniversary of the infamous tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony, which included IAA first responders, honored the lives of more than 3,000 people who perished in the terrorist attacks that struck the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and United Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

"This day will live forever in the memories of millions of Americans like myself, who were stunned at the site of this tremendous tragedy,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director. “Today’s ceremony honors those who lives were cut short, and the many brave souls who gave their own lives to save others. And it reminds us that we must always strive to stand together as one human nation committed to peace.”

A piece of the World Trade Center steel recovered from Ground Zero, measuring approximately 12” x 12” x 6” and weighing about 40 pounds, was placed on display in Civic Plaza for the day. In 2011, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey presented the recovered steel to local Indianapolis public-safety responders and IAA employees who assisted at the attack site in 2001. The artifact remains on display permanently at the Indy airport’s fire station 1 throughout the year.

Mike Medvescek, senior director of operations and public safety for the IAA, said Americans’ response to the attack was indicative of what Americans are made of. “Just as we’ve seen with Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and now with Irma in Florida, these incidents expose the American spirit – which is neighbor helping neighbor, communities helping communities, and brave men and women in public service ready to lay down their lives for others. Today’s ceremony celebrates those lost, but it also celebrates the enduring and collective strength of the American people.”