9-11 Memorial

9-11 Memorial Service

October 1, 2009

On Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 Wesley Bolin Plaza played host to a Memorial Service at the Moving Memories Arizona 9/11 Memorial. Wesley Bolin Plaza was covered with American flags and flags from over 100 countries that saw at least one of their citizens killed on 9/11. Also on display were pieces of steel from the World Trade Center, missing person flyers, artwork, stories by victims and memorial emergency vehicles.

Members of the Arizona Department of Corrections Pipe and Drum Corp, including CO III Mike Hanby - Santa Rita Unit; CO III Joann Gentry - Rincon Unit; CO II Chuck Norris - Santa Rita Unit and CO II Rudy Acosta – St. Mary’s Hospital joined other law enforcement agencies from around the state to provide music for the event. Two of the keynote speakers were at the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001. One was Lt. Joe Torrillo, who retired from the New York Fire Department because of injuries he suffered after being buried under debris from the collapse of one of the towers. Mike Hughes also shared his experience on that day when he narrowly escaped the collapse of World Trade Center Tower 2. Both men now travel the country speaking to audiences from their perspectives as both victims and survivors. Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko R-Glendale, also attended the 8th anniversary ceremony and paid tribute to the fallen on 9/11.

Following the speeches, a New York Firefighter rang a fire bell 20 times, representing the "5555" signal, a final alarm which signifies firefighters have ended their duties and are coming home. It is also a sign of respect for those who died in the line of duty.

The memorial concluded with the release of doves by two family members of victims of the Trade Center collapse and the playing of taps by ADC CO III Max Evans - Florence and Border Patrol Agent Mike Scioli.