Marysville holds 9/11 remembrance

Marysville city officials and fire district staff gathered at the Marysville Library to remember 9/11 again this year.

This year's ceremony was held online due to COVID-19.

"It is my hope that by sharing this ceremony online it will make it more available to people in our community," said Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring.

Nehring recounted the day when terrorists hijacked four planes and targeted New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"Many of us vividly recall that morning 19 years ago when our country was forever changed," said Nehring. "With each year that passes these awful terror attacks become more distant and for most students today, 9/11 is history."

After two planes stuck the World Trade Center towers, thousands were evacuated through the help of firefighters and other first responders.

"When the Twin Towers were struck, between 16,000 and 18,000 people were working in the World Trade Center complex," said Nehring.

"Sadly, so many people did not survive that morning," he said.

Nehring recognized the sacrifice of those who went into the buildings to help evacuees escape from the towers which would eventually fall.

"Many victims were first responders," said Nehring. "They were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others."

The terrorist attack took a lot of lives in New York.

"In less than two hours, nearly 3,000 people from 93 countries were killed," he said.

For Marysville firefighters, it was also the day they lost firefighter Jeff Thornton due to unrelated circumstances.

"On the same day as the terrorist attacks in 2001, one of our own first responders lost his life to cancer," said Nehring.

"He worked hard, he played hard and he fought hard," he said. "Jeff will always be remembered as a favorite son of the Marysville family."

Usually, Marysville firefighters are able to gather with community members for the ceremony to remember 9/11 and Thornton, however the COVID pandemic prevented that this year.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family who are hopefully watching with us. They are usually here every year with us at this event," said Nehring.

Nehring wanted to recognize all the firefighters who put their lives and bodies on the line for the safety of others.

"Thank you to all first responders who serve Marysville and protect all our communities," Nehring said.