Hundreds Celebrate Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Downtown Anchorage

For some, this tenth anniversary of 9/11 is yet another reminder to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Sep 11, 2011 at 7:42 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 11, 2011 at 7:42 PM AKDT

Hundreds of Alaskans gathered in downtown Anchorage to celebrate the opening of the new Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial and to honor the innocent victims that lost their lives on 9/11.

Nearly 350 New York firefighters lost their lives trying to rescue people who were trapped in the World Trade Center. Although the tragic event occurred more than four thousands miles away, it was felt across the nation.

“This was an event that galvanized our country,” said retired Alaska State Fire Marshall and Fire Chief Craig Goodrich.

But for families of emergency responders, the sacrifice hit closer to home.

“It’s a family. All of us are a family, no matter where you in the fire department or anywhere, as a country we’re a family,” said Samantha Farmer, a wife of a firefighter attending the ceremony.

A bell rang once for 19 Anchorage firefighters who died protecting our community. Each names is displayed on a plaque on the walls of memorial located on Fifth and A Street.

Stephanie Bird and her five-year-old son Garrett said the reality of losing their loved one is something they never take for granted.

“You know that your husband is doing what he loves,” she said. "If he dies doing it, I know that he died doing the most important thing to him in the world next to his family.”

And for others, this tenth anniversary is yet another reminder to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.

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jjj said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 12:38 PM

why were the first responders of 9-11 NOT ALLOWED to attend the 10year anniversary?????????????? at ground zero???? take your propaganda memorial and shove it! I'M NOT FOOLED!

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Anonymous said on Monday, Sep 12 at 12:46 PM

ktva censoring all comments now, what a joke, where's the freedom of speech? NOT HERE!

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Dk said on Monday, Sep 12 at 9:33 AM

we all need to remember how important our fire fighters and paramedics are what they have to do and see what they deal with thank you all for being there for us God Bless You All

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