There was a flurry of activity at the Watch Hill Fire Department this morning as several members gathered to honor and remember the devastating events of September 11, 2001.

It began at 8:46 a.m., the time of the first aircraft struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York, as Lieutenant James Nicholas began his attempt to climb 110 floors using the stair master in our fitness room. He did it to honor the 2,977 victims who died at the World Trade Center that day. Many thanks to the people who donated to the cause. James raised nearly $6,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Association.

At 9:03 a.m., the time that a second aircraft flew into the South Tower, a dozen firefighters gather outside the Fire House for a brief service of remembrance led by Chaplain Cal Lord. He pointed out the iron piece that was part of the Trade Center structure that decorates our picnic area and noted that it is a vivid reminder of the tragedy that happened that day. Quoting remarks made by our Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and Navy Admiral Christopher Grady from a ceremony held at the Pentagon yesterday, Lord said, "There are many heroic stories borne from that sense of duty. Of the first responders who rushed into the building despite the risk. Of those who waded through fire and smoke to direct a teammate to safety. And those who used whatever resources, training or experience they had to aid and assist the incapacitated, injured, struggling and scared. As we remember the heroes of that day — the first responders who rushed into danger, the staff who stayed at their posts tirelessly amid the chaos, and the countless individuals who came together to offer support — we are reminded of the unbreakable spirit of the American people.

He closed with a prayer after encouraging us to honor the memory of those we lost by living our lives with purpose, by serving with integrity, and by working together to build a future where such acts of violence are but a distant memory.

Members of the department added a nice touch to our simple ceremony by hoisting the American flag aloft Ladder 104 as a backdrop to the remembrance. Then we enjoyed a delicious breakfast cooked by Firefighter Chris Moore and his helpers.