Great Falls first responders and residents came together Tuesday morning to remember those who lost their lives 17 years ago.
Great Falls Fire Rescue held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Fire Station One.
They were joined by the Great Falls Police Department, the Montana Air National Guard, and other volunteers from around Cascade County.
Great Falls Fire Rescue Chief Steve Hester has been in the fire service for 42 years and he served the county for 20 years.
He shared his thoughts of what 9/11 means to him.
“It was the most tragic day in my history on this planet and many of us. There are children out here who never knew it what it was like before,” Hester said.
They honored the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who lost their lives while trying to save others on 9/11.
Hester also spoke about the men and women who still sacrifice their lives every day for America.
“We have people still in harm’s way in Afghanistan and Iraq. My son has served over there, I have served over there, and it is not fun but they are doing it,” he said. “That’s what makes us Americans and makes me proud to be an American. It makes me proud to be a firefighter.”
A pancake breakfast for community members to enjoy was held after the ceremony.
