DeKALB – In honor of Sept. 11, 2001, the DeKalb’s Fire Station #1 held its 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony to honor the memories and sacrifices from those who died as a result of the event.

At 8 a.m. Wednesday there was a gathering of about 25 people composed of firefighters and Dekalb citizens. Some notable people in attendance were DeKalb’s Police Chief David Byrd and City Manager Bill Nicklas.

The event started off with Fire Chief Mike Thomas presenting the DeKalb Firefighters Color Guard and each of them planting a flag.

Thomas then started his speech and mentioned the events that took place on 9/11 and honored the lives that were lost that day.

“This morning, we gather to remember the events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the United States using hijacked aircraft as weapons of mass destruction. So each year, we try to remember and recount what happened,” Thomas said. “So here we are, some 23 years later, and our profession (emergency responders) should always remember and recognize the sacrifices made by first responders who sacrifice their lives.”

After the speech the firefighters held a bell ceremony, ringing it six times to remember the first responders and raising the 9/11 memorial flag to signify and honor the 343 firefighters.