South King Fire & Rescue and the Cities of Federal Way and Des Moines, WA hosted a dawn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Celebration Park in Federal Way on Sunday Morning, September 11.
The ceremony was opened with a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner performed by the Federal Way Choral and featured a roll call by members of local police and fire departments of emergency responders who lost their lives in the tragic aftermath of the attack ten years ago.
The emotional event was interrupted several times by the ringing of a bell by Firefighter Sven Schievink to note key events of September 11, 2001.
At 5:56 AM PT American Airlines Flight 11 hits the north tower of the World Trade Center, at 6:03 AM PT American Airlines Flight 175 hits the south tower. At 6:37 AM PT American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon. Later in the morning at 7:03 AM PT, United Airlines Flight 93 would crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers fight their hijackers.
Speakers remembered the impact of that terrible day and reflected on the changes our country has experienced since the attack. The theme repeated throughout… “We will never forget!”
Photographer Michael Brunk was privileged to attend today’s ceremony and captured the following photos. You can click individual images to view them larger.
I heard from one of Federal Way’s hopefuls for City Council, Keith Tyler, that Mayor Sheckler’s speech was exemplary. He held everyone’s attention and kept his speech real about how 9/11 has changed our lives forever.