How 9/11 is being remembered locally in Michiana

MISHAWAKA, Ind - Communities across Michiana took the time to honor and remember on the 22nd anniversary of the terrorists' attacks that claimed nearly 3000 lives on September 11, 2001. 

Right here in Michiana, the annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at St. Patrick's County Park and St. Joseph Health in Mishawaka both hosted ceremonies to honor those that lost their lives and to honor the first responders that were called into action that day.

“Well, we can never forget the lives that were lost, but we can also never forget what it takes to prevent something like this from happening again," said Rep. Rudy Yakym. "You know, even this morning, before I left my house and before my kids went to school, I took time with our children and shared the speech that I gave today with them, and have shared with them over the years what it means to not only be an American, but what happened on 9/11 and make sure that the next generation is educated about what happened that day.

Today, right here in South Bend, local fire departments came together to hold a memorial service at St. Patrick's County Park, marking the 22nd anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

The community had the chance to pay their respects with a ceremonial bell service, honoring those who died and remembering the brave first responders who rushed into the building as everybody inside tried to get out.

The memorial event even featured a piece of steel from Ground Zero.

St. Joseph Health System hosted its own memorial event today.

It showcased a part of the World Trade Center and thanked first responders that risked their own lives to save others and those who didn't make it out alive.

For many, the memory of watching the horror play out is something they'll never forget.

I spoke with a local veteran who says he found out about the attacks by seeing them unfold on television.

“And I got up in the morning , and I took a shower and I came out of the bathroom to get dressed, I had the tv on in the room, it was just after the first plane hit, crashed into one of the towers and I looked at the tv and I thought, 'that’s a weird movie', and I kept looking at it as it happened and a few minutes later, the second plane crashed, and I couldn’t believe it,” said Ronald Doke, U.S. Navy Veteran.

Many students today were born after the 9/11 attacks and therefore have no recollection of the events of that day. Officials are urging parents to educate their children about what happened so that the sacrifice of those on that day will never be forgotten. 

One way to teach kids about 9/11 is through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which is based in New York City but has online resources. 

You can access the museum's website here.