9/11 ceremony held at Milwaukee County War Memorial Center

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee and state leaders honored the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 with a special ceremony at the Milwaukee War Memorial Center on Friday. 

On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed when terrorist-piloted planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania.

"It just caused me to reflect on the great sacrifices that all first responders make every day, and especially on that day on 9/11 when the courage was shown by so many individuals who went into those buildings," said Michael Brunson, Milwaukee Police Department Acting Chief. 

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the event was closed to the public. 

"When the question arose as to whether we should meet this year, the county executive and I and others immediately said 'absolutely yes'. This is too important a ceremony, a memorial, to do virtually," said Mayor Tom Barrett. 

Wreaths were placed by local first responders to represent the groups that sacrificed their lives that day. 

In a year with so much division -- city and county leaders say there are lessons to be learned from 2001. 

"At a time in our nation when our first responders are being scrutinized, oftentimes very, very, very appropriately, I think it is important to remember the important role that they play in our society as well," said Barrett. 

"The ultimate sacrifice is for an individual to lay down their life for another, and we saw that on 9/11. We also saw the country come together on 9/11. That unity is something we should always remember as Americans," said Michael Brunson, Milwaukee Police Department Acting Chief. 

"It was the optimistic spirit of the American people that brought us together and moved us forward, and 19 years later we find ourselves trying to move forward in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic," said County Executive David Crowley.

The ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center was not the only event held in Wisconsin on Friday. A ceremony was also held in Kewaskum.