Lansing — Beyond the blare of bagpipes and men bearing American flags, four rows of fire and police officials marched in the streets of Lansing — a sign of solidarity for their 343 "brothers" who died trying to save people after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Gray skies shadowed Lansing at 10 a.m. Monday as about 50 people walked from the intersection at Michigan Avenue and Washington Square to Wentworth Park, where twisted steel from the World Trade Center — nearly 6 feet tall — is displayed.
Lansing Fire Department Chief Tom Cochran said men and women from departments around mid-Michigan were represented at the ceremony, which has been held each year since the site was dedicated in 2002.
"It's a day of remembrance," Cochran said. "It's a day you'll never forget where you were and what you were doing."
Many of the officials wore black bands over their badges, a ritual for funerals and solemn occasions.
Lansing police Chief Mark Alley said having the different departments together is a reminder of those affected across the country on the day.
"It didn't just affect New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania; it swept to fire departments and police departments around the country — it's important we don't forget those lives," he said. "(Lansing) has a piece of it here that makes us unique. It goes to show the caring we have for other parts of America."
As the men and women marched, some of the spectators who gathered to watch held up American flags, saluted or placed their hands over their hearts.
The Lansing-based Glen Erin Pipe Band sounded its instruments during the march and played "Amazing Grace" toward the end of the ceremony.
Two men then placed a wreath in front of the display.
Flowers were laid on the commemorative bricks around the steel piece as victims with Michigan ties were named.
An oversized American flag was hoisted up by ropes behind the display, and balloons attached to it gently swayed when a gust of wind blew. But the firefighter's uniform placed in front remained still, unchanged amid the ceremonial activies happening around it.
"It was beautiful," Lynn Doyle-Curl said of the ceremony and display.
The New Boston, Mich., resident was in attendance to honor her brother, Frank Doyle, who died in the World Trade Center's south tower on Sept. 11, 2001, a time she said "was the most devastating moment of my family's life."
One universal message expressed at the ceremony was that people must always put into perspective the loss of life as well as the resolve the rest of America showed following the attacks.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said he chose not to require a moment of silence to be held during the event because the noise of the city is a symbol of resilience.
"This is how we win," he said. "We remember and continue."
