More than 100 police officers, firefighters and local residents gathered on the front lawn of the Capitol on Sunday evening to solemnly pay their respects for the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
The Michigan State Police hosted the event to honor the first responders and the civilians who died trying to help others.
The event, which took place between 7-8 p.m., included speeches from Attorney General Bill Schuette and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson about the events of Sept. 11 and how the world has changed because of them.
A candlelight ceremony concluded the evening accompanied by a bagpipe performance by the Lansing-based Glen Erin Pipe Band.
Grand Ledge, Mich., resident Jodi Hart watched the closing songs, candle in hand, wearing a shirt displaying the American flag to show her patriotism.
Hart recalled the phone call she received on Sept. 11, 2001, that informed her of the attacks. Although she feels the country is safer, she said it is important not to forget what happened.
“(I came to show) respect for all the families of the fallen … so many people, innocent people, died,” she said. “It’s to support those families and our military and to show patriotism toward our country.”
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