The Remembrance Memorial, a piece of the former World Trade Center, is the centerpiece of Wentworth Park in downtown Lansing, where the third annual 9-11 Commemoration Ceremony was held.

Different speakers addressed the crowd who gathered to remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The speakers, including Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides, then took their turns at the podium.

"The loss of lives changed the attitude of all communities across America, and Lansing is no exception," Benavides said.

One of those changes has been the attitude toward Lansing's security, Benavides said.

"We are prepared, and we certainly are ready to any challenge that would come before this great city of ours," he said.

Lansing Fire Chief Greg Martin gave the audience a local perspective of the impact of 9-11, stating that the number of firefighters killed in New York that day is about the same number of firefighters working in East Lansing.

WLNS broadcaster Chris Holman, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, told the audience about his experience in New York City during the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"After walking around Manhattan, I left with the feeling I hope we all feel today," Holman said. "And that is the reaffirmation in the greatness of our country and the courage of our people."

The Lansing Community College Chorale Ensemble sang songs between speeches and audience members were invited to sing along.

Lansing resident Dennis Leonard Jr. said his father, a Detroit firefighter of 30 years, died three days before 9-11. Leonard said it hit home for him when he heard about firefighters dying.

"They put their lives in danger every day they go to work," Leonard said. "I was so proud of my dad."

Army Staff Sgt. and Lansing resident David Mathews said the event was a success.

"The Lansing community is really strong in demonstrating their patriotism and support for the troops," Mathews said. "It's good to see America come together and unite as one."

But others were not as pleased with the turnout.

Murdock Jemmerson, director of Lansing Parks and Recreation, said he guessed that there had been about 300 people who attended the ceremony in 2003.

This year, less than 100 people were present, far fewer than Jemmerson had hoped for, he said.

Some who did attend, however, stayed after and talked to one another while their children asked soldiers for autographs. Others approached the twisted I-beam from the twin towers, stooping to see the inscription below, which reads, "Lansing Remembers."

Anthropology senior Natalie Walsh said the ceremony was "done well."

"Everyone who should have been here was, except maybe a bigger crowd," Walsh said.