First responders honored at local 9/11 ceremony | News

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) – Many are remembering the terrorist attacks that happened on our country eleven years ago.

Ground zero, where planes crashed into the World Trade towers, is a solemn place on this anniversary. Those who loved and lost gathered to remember the innocent lives that were taken. And around the country, people gathered to make sure they will never be forgotten.

First responders were the focus of a ceremony held at the Fire Museum of Memphis.

The memorial service began with a processional march to museum downtown.

In the fire museum's entry way, 53 roses were placed as a tribute to the 53 Memphis firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

"And there are a lot of men on that wall I knew personally," said Henry Brenner, whose grandfather was a victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Henry Brenner says his grandfather name is among those you see on the museum's wall.

Brenner choked back tears as he remembered his grandfather, Henry Brenner Senior, as well as the other victims of the attacks.

"It's hard to believe that it's been 11 years ago, so it's something that we need to keep honoring and as generations grow, we get older and I move on, I've got a son and I've got a grandson it means a lot," Brenner said.

Several speakers, from the district attorney to the mayor, offered words of thanks to firefighters, police, and other emergency workers .

Fire Director Alvin Benson described it as an event that brought the community together.

"You know we all share the same memories, we all feel the same passions, and pains, we rejoice in legacies all of that happened today and it was a beautiful experience," said Benson.

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