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Coppell remembers 9/11: Patriot Day ceremony honors those hurt, killed in attacks
DAN EAKIN / STAFF PHOTO
Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan addresses a crowd at Town Center Plaza Tuesday morning in a ceremony remembering the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and honoring all who have served or serve in the military, law enforcement or in fire and rescue.
By Dan Eakin, deakin@starlocalnews.com
A large crowd gathered at Town Center Plaza behind Coppell City Hall Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, to remember what happened 11 years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001.
Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan noted that it was the day when 2,977 people were killed in terrorists attacks, either at the twin towers in New York City, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., or in a plane crash in Pennsylvania.
"The lives of every American changed forever that day," Tristan said, "and we have never been the same since. Communities throughout our country today are doing the same thing we are doing this morning: honoring, remembering lives lost and our continued fight for freedom. It is important that we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
Fire Chief Kevin Richardson said, "Sept. 11, 2001 was a beautiful fall day with clear blue skies. Ironically, it was one of our country's darkest days."
He added, "The events of that day awakened a deeper sense of patriotism in all of us. As Americans, we found a new resolve to strengthen our communities and to see that something good comes from what we experienced 11 years ago."
"Today is about healing, and about hope," he added. "Today is about the renewal of dedication to our great country, our state, our communities, and to our families and to each other. It is a time to reflect, a time to cherish life. Let is remember to live each day to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring."
In addition to remembering the fallen on 9/11, Richardson also honored all who serve in the military or law enforcement in any way. He asked those in the crowd who had served in military, law enforcement or in fire, rescue or medical services to stand and be acknowledged.
Several city departments took part in the ceremony.
Participating in the event were members of the color guards of the Coppell Fire Department and Coppell Police Department, the fire department's bagpipe and drum corps and others.
Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan noted that it was the day when 2,977 people were killed in terrorists attacks, either at the twin towers in New York City, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., or in a plane crash in Pennsylvania.
"The lives of every American changed forever that day," Tristan said, "and we have never been the same since. Communities throughout our country today are doing the same thing we are doing this morning: honoring, remembering lives lost and our continued fight for freedom. It is important that we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
Fire Chief Kevin Richardson said, "Sept. 11, 2001 was a beautiful fall day with clear blue skies. Ironically, it was one of our country's darkest days."
He added, "The events of that day awakened a deeper sense of patriotism in all of us. As Americans, we found a new resolve to strengthen our communities and to see that something good comes from what we experienced 11 years ago."
"Today is about healing, and about hope," he added. "Today is about the renewal of dedication to our great country, our state, our communities, and to our families and to each other. It is a time to reflect, a time to cherish life. Let is remember to live each day to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring."
In addition to remembering the fallen on 9/11, Richardson also honored all who serve in the military or law enforcement in any way. He asked those in the crowd who had served in military, law enforcement or in fire, rescue or medical services to stand and be acknowledged.
Several city departments took part in the ceremony.
Participating in the event were members of the color guards of the Coppell Fire Department and Coppell Police Department, the fire department's bagpipe and drum corps and others.
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