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Jed Boal ReportingMany Utahns today commemorated the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Four years ago we were riveted by the devastation and loss of life. Many in our community want to be certain we never forget.
For many Americans the raw impact of September 11th, 2001 may fade. For others, the wounds will always sting because that day changed their lives in unimaginable ways. Firefighters and peace officers of Utah will publicly honor the victims of September 11th, 2001 every year, others will commemorate the tragedy in their own ways.
Three Utahns died in the attacks that day. Troops who have fought and died in the war on terrorism were also honored.
Randy Watt, Asst. Chief Ogden P.D.: "Freedom is not free. It is bought and paid for by the sacrifices of patriots. That blood is red no matter from whom it spills."
Ogden Assistant Police Chief Randy Watt led a Special Forces unit in the War in Afghanistan, and lost men in his command. Watt reminded all that on September 11th we lost firefighters, police officers, troops and civilians -- no ethnic group or religious preference was spared.
Randy Watt, Asst. Chief Ogden P.D.: "That is a testimony to the greatness of this country, that no one is excluded from our standard of freedom, even from perishing in a national tragedy."
At 8:46 that day Margaret Wahlstrom's mother-in-law and sister-in-law died on Flight 11 when it slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Remembering is painful.
Margaret Wahlstrom: "It's such a devastating thing to go there. But I think it's important that we not forget September 11."
She's working in her community to erect a memorial in Kaysville. She fears people want to forget and want to move on.
Margaret Wahlstrom: "Maybe because we haven't had another attack of that nature, people have been lulled into complacency, but I think it's really important we remember."
More than 2,600 people died at the World Trade Center. 125 people died at the Pentagon. 256 people died on the four planes.
