Mayor Alonzo Jones marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Friday by challenging residents to remember not only the tragedy of that day, but also the spirit of unity and compassion that emerged in its aftermath.
"Why should we have to experience one of our nation’s worst days to bring out the best in us?" Jones asked during Danville’s annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony. "I don’t think we should."
Jones said that may be one of the most important lessons the nation can carry forward from Sept. 11, 2001.
"We don’t have to agree on everything to care about each other," Jones said. "We don’t have to look alike. We don’t have to think alike. We don’t have to vote alike. We don’t even have to like each other all the time."
Jones said differences should not prevent people from respecting, listening to and helping one another.
People are also reading…
"When somebody is hurting, we can put our differences aside and simply be there," he said. "That’s what neighbors do. That’s what communities do. And that’s what I want for Danville."
The mayor delivered the keynote address as the city commemorated a quarter-century since the attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
Jones reflected on the first responders and ordinary citizens who placed the lives of others ahead of their own that day. He recalled firefighters entering burning buildings, police officers and emergency personnel running toward danger, passengers aboard Flight 93 fighting back, and strangers helping strangers.
He also spoke about the responsibility of those who lived through Sept. 11 to preserve its lessons for younger generations who have no personal memory of the attacks.
"Those of us who remember have a responsibility," Jones said. "We have to tell the story. And I believe we have to tell the whole story."
That story, he said, includes not only the horror and loss of Sept. 11, but also what Americans did afterward — checking on neighbors, supporting first responders, helping strangers and putting aside differences.
Jones also recognized the lasting impact of the attacks on victims’ families, survivors and first responders who have suffered illnesses connected to their service at Ground Zero. He honored military personnel and their families who made sacrifices in the years that followed.
Returning to the words "Never Forget," a theme he has emphasized at previous remembrance ceremonies, Jones said remembering Sept. 11 should include remembering how Americans responded.
"Never forget how we came together. Never forget how we cared for one another," Jones said. "And never forget that we do not need another tragedy to live that way again."
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Danville Fire Department Honor Guard. Deputy Chief Brandyn Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Engineer John Epps performed the national anthem.
Fire Chief David Coffey welcomed those attending and provided closing remarks. Chaplain Bob Yeaman delivered the invocation and benediction.
The annual ceremony honored those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks, along with the first responders, military personnel and others whose service and sacrifice remain part of the legacy of that day.
