REMEMBERING IN BRILLIANT — Fourth graders at Buckeye North Elementary School saluted, placed their hands over their hearts and remained silent during a rendition of taps played during the Brilliant American Legion’s annual Sept. 11 ceremony. Students taking part in the ceremony included, from left, front, Jackson Hilliard and Jackson Chesonis-Spano; and back, Mayson Maderia, Londyn Sterling, Laney Maderia and Rylee Wilson. -- Contributed

BRILLIANT– It was a day Americans stopped to reflect on the many lives lost. It was a day to remember the ones who risked their lives in the hopes of saving others. It was a day when the country recalled the aftermath of the events which occured on Sept. 11, 2001.

A special ceremony was held at the Brilliant American Legion Post 573, with fourth- and fifth-graders from Buckeye North Elementary School in attendance. The students joined veterans, members of the local safety forces and area residents for a program near the flagpole located outside the post on Market Street.

The day’s event began with a welcome from Post Commander Mickey Nest, followed by a moment of silence. Chaplain Deb Gilchrist led prayers and asked God to heal those wounded in the attacks, while giving leaders wisdom to create a more peaceful world. Nest said following the incident, President George W. Bush declared Sept. 11 to be Patriot’s Day. Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since four planes hijacked by al Qaeda terrorists struck the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pa., en route to another target.

“It’s difficult to believe it’s been 24 years,” Nest stated. “We all remember where we were and what we were doing. Lives were changed forever.”

Nest told those in attendance that this ceremony was a time to remember the police, fire and first responders who died, along with the passengers who overtook the airplane in Pennsylvania to thwart another attack. In all, more than 3,000 people died that day, with numerous lives impacted by their loved ones left behind and the communities that were devastated by the attacks.

State Commander Stan Oren was the ceremony’s guest speaker. He shared remarks about the importance of remembering the 3,000 people who perished, the people who bravely heeded the call to respond and the communities which united following the attacks.

“On this day of solemn remembrance, unity and reflection, we are together not only to remember Sept. 11, but the enduring strength of our communities and the uncommon valor of those who stormed forward when everything seemed to stand still,” Oren commented. “Within hours, our lives were forever changed as four planes became instruments of destruction and struck at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Shanksville. Today, we honor their courage, their dreams and the legacies they left behind.”

Oren recalled how first responders scaled the steps of smoky buildings struck by the hijacked airplanes. He recalled how office workers led people to safety before the World Trade Center towers crumbled. He noted how neighbors reached out to comfort one another and how communities held vigils, donated blood and were rebuilt — creating a light of humanity in the darkness and making America stronger. He added it is imperative future generations understand what occurred that day so they can keep the legacy of the lost moving forward.

“Many of our children learn it as history, not by living it,” Oren said. “We must remember the cost of freedom and the power of vigilance. ‘Never forget’ is more than a phrase, it’s a promise.”

Oren honored the quiet heroes — loved ones of those lost and the veterans who returned home, changed. He asked people to volunteer in their community and to reach out to their neighbors, while teachers should share with children the meaning of service.

“Let us build a future … of unity, compassion and resilience,” he concluded. American Legion honor guards held a flag presentation, while Wells Township Police Chief Sean Norman and Brilliant Fire Chief Brian Harvey placed a commemorative wreath. Those in attendance raised their hands to their hearts or saluted during the playing of the national anthem and during a rendition of taps.

Nest said ceremonies have been held since 2002 and he was glad to see the local school taking part.

“This ceremony is to remember the events that occurred and those who tragically perished on that day,” Nest concluded. “We always invite the school and it’s open to the public, first responders, police and veterans of the American Legion.”

“We never want to forget — just like Pearl Harbor,” Oren added. “The young people didn’t experience it, but we did. We have to keep it alive and make sure history is taught.”

The ceremony was a tribute for all ages, including North Elementary fourth-grader Jackson Hilliard. Hilliard said 9-11 “was a very tragic event.”

“I feel very sad and I will always try to honor the men and women and emergency responders who helped,” he said.

“I’m sad that so many people died,” added classmate Jackson Chesonis-Spano.

Principal Susan Nolan explained having students take part in the ceremony was a significant way in helping history to live on.

“I think it’s important to teach them why we honor the police, firefighters, our veterans and the fallen, to keep alive what they did and respect that they gave their lives,” Nolan stated.