Indy Airport Commemorates 19th Anniversary of 9/11
Event will commemorate those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 11, 2020) – The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted a ceremony today at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to honor the 3,000 men and women who lost their lives 19 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
“We have carried the memory of that fateful day in our minds and hearts for a generation now,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “For those of us who watched it unfold, we can never forget. Yet we have continued through the decades to find strength in each other and those who lost and gave their lives, and we continue to bring peace, hope and light to the world despite the darkness of that day.”
IAA first responders and local officials from the Transportation Security Administration participated in today’s annual ceremony to remember victims and first responders who lost their lives at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and United Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. Attendees social distanced and wore masks to help battle today’s global threat of COVID-19, while also paying homage to the fallen of 9/11.
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.
“The strength of the steel is symbolic that nothing can divide us, and is a constant reminder of the first responders at Ground Zero and the battle they faced on that tragic day,” said IAA Interim Fire Chief Steve Summers.
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.
"Today also honors the bravery and patriotism of the first responders and the passengers of Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said IAA Sr. Director of Operations & Public Safety Keith Berlen. “They will never be forgotten.”
Click here to view today’s ceremony via Facebook Live.