Georgia organizations, public figures pay respects on 9/11 anniversary
Across the country, people pay solemn tribute to those who died and whose lives were changed forever from the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
That day's events in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. still have a far-reaching emotional impact on people to this day.
This year's anniversary is not only a milestone but also weeks after a fraught military evacuation of Afghanistan, ending the decades-long war sparked by the tragedy.
Firefighters climb Stone Mountain in full gear during 9/11 tribute
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S., firefighters across Georgia volunteered to climb Stone Mountain in full gear to pay tribute to first responders who did so while trying to rescue people trapped in the World Trade Center towers.
In Georgia, organizations and public figures paid respects on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S.
Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff were in South Fulton on Saturday to give remarks and publicly thank the city's first responders for their sense of duty.
"That spirit of unity that emerged on and after September 11 — it's up to all of us to sustain and rekindle that now, living through these times, in moments of such division. And all of us coming together in fellowship here this morning is part of that shared effort," Ossoff said during his remarks.
Georgia District 2 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. issued a statement on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States:
"Today, we remember the horrific, terrorist attacks that struck our country 20 years ago on September 11, 2001. As we somberly reflect on that day and its impact on the years that have followed, we recall the bravery of our first responders, the heroism of those on Flight 93 who helped avert a greater disaster, and the countless Americans who helped us recover in the immediate aftermath of that day. We came together, a nation injured but unbroken, with newfound resolve to protect and uplift what the terrorists sought to destroy.
"Our thoughts and prayers must turn to the victims who lost their lives on that day and the sacrifices of a multitude of servicemembers who sought to punish those who attacked us in the years that followed.
"The 9/11 terrorist attacks were an expression of the worst of humanity that, nonetheless, reminded us of what is best about our country – liberty, equality, and fraternity. In these trying times – no matter what our differences may be – those ideals bind us together, make us stronger, and are the best way in which we can honor those who perished."
Police departments across metro Atlanta marked the milestone anniversary:
With college football on tap for Saturday, metro Atlanta universities such as Kennesaw State held recognition ceremonies on Friday:
Atlanta's professional sports franchises marked the anniversary:
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