Officials gathered in Peace Arch Park this morning to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
The gathering was scaled down due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but “stirring” nonetheless, said John Kageorge, a nearby resident who attended.
“It was personal for the handful of people present, and you could sense the pain and gratitude in the air when everyone bowed their heads to remember those that sacrificed so much,” Kageorge told Peace Arch News.
READ MORE: U.S. remembers 9-11 as pandemic changes tribute traditions
Following a Memorial Ride that ended at the park, a ceremony was held, including a salute to U.S. and Canadian first responders by U.S. Consul General Brent Hardt, and wreath-laying.
“It has been 19 years since that tragic event,” Hardt told attendees, according to a post shared on Twitter. “Canadians and Americans commemorate the lives lost and the courage of those that went in to save others.”
"It has been 19 years since that tragic event. Canadians and Americans commemorate the lives lost and the courage of those that went in to save others,” he said. The wreath-laying is his 1st official event since moving to Canada and emerging from quarantine. pic.twitter.com/VY3FeEAmCu
— John Kageorge (@JKageorge) September 11, 2020
The death toll that 2001 day included individuals from 90 nations, 343 firefighters, 71 police officers and two dozen Canadians.
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