By Beacon Staff
A light mist enveloped Friday morning's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Burlington Fire Department’s Central Station. It seemed rather appropriate, given the somber occasion.
This year's ceremony was intended to be online only and streamed on the fire department's Facebook page due to concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). However, police, firefighters, and members of the general public still showed up to pay their respects.
They bowed their heads in respectful silence as Burlington Fire Lt. Todd VanScoy rang the large Central Station bell.
The ceremony began at 7:46 a.m. — the precise moment the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center began 19 years ago. Church and fire station bells across the country rang in unison, commemorating the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The melancholic chimes from the Central Fire Station bell were replaced by a bagpipe rendering of “Amazing Grace” by retired Deputy Fire Chief Gene Wilkerson. Burlington Fire Battalion Chief Bruce Workman was the keynote speaker, while Burlington Fire Chief Matt Trexel provided the opening address.
Photo by William Smith
Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Six of the Iowa Army National Guard plays taps on the trumpet Friday morning during the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Burlington.