25 years later, Columbus honors victims on 9/11

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Under clear blue skies and a light breeze reminiscent of the morning 25 years ago, hundreds gathered Monday on the steps of Columbus City Hall to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

About 200 people, including students from CSA Lincoln and Central Middle School, joined first responders from the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Township Fire Department, Columbus Regional Health EMS, along with city officials and elected leaders, for the annual commemoration.

The ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Shanksville, PA, and at the Pentagon.

Before the program began, ladder trucks from the Columbus and Columbus Township fire departments raised a large garrison-style American flag high above the crowd.

Columbus Fire Capt. Mike Wilson, who emceed the ceremony, introduced Fire Chaplain Aelred Dean for the invocation. Wilson then explained the significance of bell tolls in fire service traditions before joining Fire Chief Andy Lay in striking a ceremonial bell nine times, a tribute to first responders killed in the attacks.

Lay followed with remarks urging the community to remember the weight of the day and the selfless service shown by firefighters, police officers and medics who rushed toward danger in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville.

The ceremony concluded with solemn musical honors: Columbus Fire Deputy Chief of Administration Mike Kutsko on bagpipes and Columbus Township Deputy Chief of Administration Dan Merz performing Taps on trumpet.

Throughout the event, onlookers clasped small American flags, wore patriotic colors, and quietly wiped away tears as they stood in silence, reflecting on a day that forever changed the nation.