23 years since 9/11 attacks — local ceremony honors fallen heroes

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — It’s been 23 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 took the lives of nearly 3,000 people across New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.

Hosted by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, and emceed by ABC Columbia’s Tyler Ryan, the event also honors the 416 first responders lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11th and the 64 fallen First Responders and military members of the Midlands who have died since 2001.

“It’s those heroes, the ones that not only played a crucial role 23 years ago, but the ones who have everyday since stepped up. It’s those men and women we say thank you. It’s to those heroes we must show our gratitude,” says Ryan.

Bells were rang at exactly 8:46 and 9:03 — signifying when the first and second hijacked planes hit the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center.

And at 9:37 and 10:07 — as one plane struck the west side of the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and another crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

Speakers at the event included family of those who were impacted by the attacks, local law enforcement, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

“To me, the best way that we can honor the men and women who lost their lives is to keep that feeling of patriotism, love of country, love of military, and love of our law enforcement alive today and everyday. That same feeling we had on September 11th and September 12th,” says Evette.

Local resident Dawn Yamishiro lost her brother, Brian Warner, in the 2001 attacks.

“It’s just been healing for me because I’ve been able to give back to the community by memorializing those who gave their sacrifice since 9/11 and just saying thank you for a service member or a deputy that’s given up their life. It’s just very special…touching…and it’s… what else can I do? You know?” she asks.

According to the foundation, the two beams on permanent display are remnants from the World Trade Center — gifted to Columbia in 2010.