Officials, first responders, military and families honor the fallen on 9/11 anniversary

On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, leaders from the Michigan House of Representatives joined with first responders, military members and families in honoring the lives lost in the tragedy and those lost in recent years. 

“It has now been over two decades since that September. Twenty-three Septembers have gone by. So today we come together to remember the pain of that moment. And while wounds will seal, they will never fully heal,” said House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck). 

“It is through that pain that so many Americans across this country found purpose in serving their country, patriots from all walks of life: those multi-generations in this country, newfound immigrants found their way to step up and serve to defend not just the people of this country, but the idea of what America was and what America shall continue to be,” Aiyash said. 

With American politics becoming increasingly divisive, Aiyash called on those in attendance to affirm what makes this country what it is, prioritizing freedom, dignity and justice for all. 

“What are we doing as Americans to ensure that we are being that example for the next generation? We’re showing what it means to engage, what it looks like to disagree, and how we can make our body politic one that is an exchange of ideas to better this country,” Aiyash said. “And we remember the incredible men and women who have stepped up to serve our country abroad and those in our own backyards, folks who put their lives on the line every single day to protect and serve the communities that they represent and live in.”

State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, reflected on the loss of Michiganders in the 9/11 attacks, as well as the deaths of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski and Capt. Miguel Nava in recent years. 

“Let this day of remembrance also be a day of action, a day when we recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in compassion, understanding and peace,” Morgan said. 

Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), who served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for 25, asked those in attendance to take a moment to honor first responders lost in 2023 and 2024: Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, Hillsdale County sheriff’s deputy William Butler Jr., Oakland County sheriff’s deputy Bradley Reckling, Michigan State Police trooper Joel Popp, Detroit Police Sgt. Shannon Wright, Flint firefighter Ricky Hill and Paw Paw volunteer firefighter Ethan Quillen. 

The program for the event also recognized Oxford firefighter Shawn Goldie and St. Clair County court officer Rober J. Silver. 

“While the scars of 9/11 remain, there’s also been significant healing and growth. Today, I recognize the first responders, the ones that we depend on to manage emergencies in the midst of everyday chaos and high pressure situations. First responders are important to ensuring our public safety, and they are often the ones who work hands on in life-and-death situations to provide critical care to those in need,” Carter said.

“We come together to recognize the selfless acts, sacrifice, bravery, compassion, shown by first responders on 9/11 and recognize those who continue to serve in this capacity today,” he said.