The ‘small town with a big heart’ spread its love to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Ten years ago, I like everybody here, sat glued to the television set in the morning. Those images are burned into my mind, I’ll never forget them,” said Sidney Mayor Larry Cross. “What we’re doing today is to remember those who died — many Canadians did — many civilians and of course many, many members of the emergency services, police, ambulance and fire.”
“We have to keep in mind people we see standing here in their uniforms today take risks. Risks that you and I don’t face. Each day they may well face something like 9/11.
“Part of what we’re doing here today is we’re honouring the police and fire and ambulance service who sacrificed themselves … in 9/11.”
Cross suggested the gathered crowd use the plaque to remind them of the daily contribution we receive from emergency service workers.
“As we commemorate the citizens of over 90 countries and 15 Canadians who perished during the 9/11 attacks we also honour the victims of terrorism in every nation around the world,” said Jim Heineman of Sacramento, California.
“What we should not forget is the way in which the people of New York City, the firefighters, the police, the emergency (personnel) came to the rescue of so many individuals and the people of New York began immediately to heal and bring New York back to its greatness.
“We cannot forget the outcry throughout the world for the actions that happened that day and we also can’t forget the sympathy that we received all over the world in capitals from Moscow, Paris, London and of course Ottawa.”
