KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 11, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
20 years ago, Katy joined the nation in shock and mourning as the events of September 11, 2001 took place. This morning, a Katy event will honor first responders on their dedication to our community and remember those lost on that day.
Katy honors first responders at the VFW event in 2019. Photo credit: Don Byrne
Katy Remembers
Join members of the Katy VFW, American Legion and Katy Elks as they honor and remember first responders today at 10:00 a.m. at the Katy VFW Post 9182 (6206 George Bush Drive.)
"Being a veteran, this incident touched me deeply. That our country could be attacked in this horrific way," says Ernie Cormier, member of American Legion Post 164 (past Commander) and Katy Elks Lodge 2628 (past Exalted Ruler.)
The service will honor some local first responders for their dedication to the Katy community. See the schedule below:
Local First Responders, Authorities Remember 9/11
“No one will ever forget where they were on that morning 20 years ago,” says Harris County Constable Ted Heap with Precinct 5.
Local first responders recognize and understand the drive that sent those who lost their lives that day into action.
“As first responders ourselves, it struck each of us particularly hard because of the loss of our brothers and sisters who were trying to do what we are sworn to do right here in our own community,” says Constable Heap. “We, as first responders, have an inherent drive to help make a difference in our community.”
“When people were running out of those twin towers, firefighters ran into danger to save lives,” says Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan. “The passengers on United Flight 93 became heroes when they diverted a doomed airplane. Police, sheriffs, deputies, constables, and other first responders worked after the disaster to recover remains and take care of the injured.”
2,977 people died on 9/11.
“It is important to remember that on 9/11, 343 Firefighters and 72 police officers ran towards what everyone was running away from and lost their lives,” says Fort Bend Constable Chad Norvell of Precinct 3.
“Those Firefighters ran up the stairs trying to help people and I have no doubt the responders currently serving our community would bravely do the same,” says Constable Norvell.
Today we remember those lost and the feeling of unity that Katyites and Americans felt on that day.
“What I saw that day was unity among our fellow Americans without regard to political party, race, and gender,” says Sheriff Fagan. “We found strength in unity, and that's the lesson 9/11 taught us all."
Today American flags will fly at half-staff as everyone remembers 9/11. Some local fire stations will light up their truck lights to signal moments of silence remembering pivotal times from that day.
Times listed in E.T. Time Zone (subtract an hour for Katy time.)
8:46 a.m.- Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center North Tower
9:03 a.m.- Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Center South Tower
9:37 a.m.- Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon
9:59 a.m.- World Trade Center South Tower collapses
10:03 a.m.- Flight 93 crashes in South Pennsylvania
10:28 a.m.- World Trade Center North Tower collapses
“This somber anniversary is a good time to remember not only those lost in New York but to also reflect on all of the police officers and first responders who sacrifice to fulfill this calling,” says Constable Heap.
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