Indy Airport Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11
Event will commemorate the men and women who lost their lives in terrorist attacks
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 11, 2021) – The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted a ceremony today at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 men and women who lost their lives this day 20 years ago.
“The events of that day have not waned in our hearts, and are felt as deeply and profoundly today, 20 years later, as they did on that fateful morning of Sept. 11, 2001,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “While time will pass, we will never forget the people who perished, and the strength and unity we found together as a nation following that dark 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. Ceremony music was provided by the Gordon Pipers and students from Ben Davis High School.
“For two decades, we have faithfully honored the memories of the brave men and women who lost their lives on this day,” said IAA Sr. Director of Operations and Public Safety Keith Berlen. “Their memories and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
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.
“This piece of steel is symbolic of our strength, the resolve of the brave first responders at Ground Zero who rushed into the jaws of danger, and it’s a reminder that this heinous act did not divide us,” said IAA Fire Chief Fred Pervine.
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.
Click here to view today’s ceremony via Facebook Live.