CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Members of the Chicago Fire Department, some who were in New York in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, held a solemn ceremony Friday morning in the River North neighborhood.
Firefighters stood at attention outside the firehouse at Illinois and Dearborn Street. A massive American Flag strung between two ladder trucks hung above them.
"It's not just about firefighters. It's not just about police officers. It's about the thousands of lives were lost that faithful day," said 38-year fire department veteran Patrick Maloney, who is now a Battalion Chief.
Maloney was a captain 19 years ago, and recalled when he and 50 others from the CFD went to ground zero in New York to help out. They arrived Sept. 12.
"There were fires still burning out of control," Maloney said. "It was quite a devastation. Bigger than we could imagine."
He said a new York firefighter said, “Hey Chicago, welcome to hell.”
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a federal prosecutor at the time, recalled how the country came together.
"We put aside partisan bickering and really focused on what was important. I hope we can get back that spirit," she said, even if it is just for a moment.
"I think the most important thing we need to remember is the humanity in each of us. We are unfortunately living in a time where too often we are talking past each other. Where we are vilifying others that don't share our particular views," Lightfoot said.
On this day, of all days, she said, we should think about building bridges.