This afternoon, the Knights of Columbus in Butte held a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The event, which was organized by retired Butte firefighters Bernie Boyle and John Paul, was held in front of the KC’s 9/11 memorial in the Felix Madrazo Gym. It drew a standing-room crowd of more than 200. That includes members of the Butte Central football team, who took time to pay their respects before playing Ronan in their Homecoming football game.

Tom Powers led the ceremony that included opening and closing prayers by Rev. Tom Haffey. Speakers were Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, Sherrif Ed Lester and firefighter Derek Harvey. Police Lt. Jim Duddy offered a police prayer, firefighter Jake Hanley read the Fireman’s Prayer, and fire Capt. Jerod Gonzalez directed the ringing of the final bell.

The ceremony closed with the playing of a song written and performed by Butte singer/songwriter Andy Larson.

Many of us in the crowd were old enough to remember that day, and we remember it like yesterday. Some in the crowd were too young to remember, and many were not even born on the day the Twin Towers fell.

Bernie and John put on the event because they want to make sure that we never forget that fateful day. They want us to remember the brave firefighters, police officers and first responders who were running into the buildings while others were trying to get out.

This was a very powerful ceremony that was followed by a reception and the playing of a video of the ceremony to dedicate the KC memorial in the spring of 2002.

If you could not attend the ceremony, hopefully you will listen in to hear a powerful reminder of the day and the heroes who should never be forgotten.

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