The Chicago Fire Department had a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Navy Pier this morning, honoring the lives lost on this day 25 years ago.
The ceremony was held at the end of the pier. The sun was rising over the sparkling blue water of the lake, framed at the right angle by the raised ladders of two fire trucks. Flags were flying in the breeze and an arch of water was visible in the background from a fire department boat.
A bell was run in a cadence of 5-5-5-5.
A CFD member explained that it’s the New York Fire Department’s signal that a company has returned home.
Honoring heroes: Firefighters in formation for a patriotic water salute under the flags.Mike Krauser
“We remember that dreadfully painful day,” said Chicago Fire Department Chaplain, Fr. Ryan Brady. “A day when great evil was inflicted upon our nation, bringing death, suffering and sorrow to so many. Yet Lord, may we also remember September the 11th as a day when the very best of humanity was revealed,” he said, as hundreds of fire department personnel and candidates or recruits, stood in formation.
“In the midst of fear and destruction, we remember the countless men and women who responded with extraordinary selflessness and heroism.”
Some of those in the crowd are not old enough to remember that day or the ensuing days that would change Americans’ lives forever.
