Remembering 9/11: 2,977 American flags were planted at Tempe Beach Park to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
TEMPE, Ariz. — On September 11, 2001, at 5:46 a.m., Arizona time, the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center.
At the same time on Wednesday, a ceremony was held at Tempe Beach Park to honor those who perished.
“You see tears on that stage and a powerful emotion, and that’s how we never forget those events,” said Healing Field president Nick Bastian.
Earlier in the week, 2,977 American flags were placed at the Healing Field. Alongside them are the names of all individuals who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Starting at 5:46 a.m., Tempe city officials, first responders, and others paid tribute by reciting the names of the victims one by one.
“It really is personal,” Bastian added. “You start to think about that specific person and their family and how it affected millions of people across our nation. It really gives me chills every year we do this.”
Terry Locke is one of the visitors to the field.
“I come to see this every year,” Locke said. “It’s very impactful. It’s been 23 years since 9/11 and it never loses its appeal for me.”
Throughout the perimeter of the nearly 3,000 American flags, you will see yellow ribbons symbolizing the first responders who gave their lives trying to save others.
“The meaning is that they are still protecting the people who were in the buildings,” Bastian shared with 12News. “There’s a lot of really interesting symbolism here.”
Considering all the names, Locke said it’s important for us to pay tribute and show our sense of patriotism.
“Just seeing all the people who sacrificed their lives that day hits me in the heart every time I come out and see it.”
There will be a second tribute, a candlelight vigil at 7:00 p.m. at the Healing Field on Wednesday evening.
Follow us on our Facebook page 12News in Spanish
Visit our section of 12News in Spanish on YouTube
Download the 12 News KPNX app to receive notifications in Spanish:
iPhone: http://12ne.ws/iphone
Android: http://12ne.ws/android
