9/11 remembered at Milwaukee's War Memorial Center

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- People from all walks of life came to Milwaukee's War Memorial Center on Wednesday to remember 9/11 and the lives lost on this day 12 years ago.

"The events of 12 years ago changed our lives forever. 12 years later, 12 years has not eased the shock and grief over the loss of life," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

"May the memory of that horrific a day strengthen us to do what we all know is the right thing to do every hour and every day," said Hannah Rosenthal of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

FBI Agent Christopher Combs saw the devastation after the attack on the Pentagon firsthand.

"I was there, 6 minutes after the plane hit and saw the horror and the carnage that was there," said Combs.

But Combs also saw what rose out of the tragedy.

"It makes me think about the roles that the first responders played and how they should always be remembered," said Combs.

Those first responders -- firefighters, police officers, military men and women -- were remembered in Wednesday's ceremony on Milwaukee's lakefront. Wreaths were placed in a reflecting pool in their honor.

Agent Combs knows the importance of remembering not just those that have fallen, but those still here today.

"Because every day the fire and the police are out there responding to normal emergencies and looking to make sure this never happens again," said Combs.