Members of the Cape Coral community, city officials, and first responders gathered Wednesday morning to remember and pay homage to those that lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on our country.

On the 23rd anniversary of that infamous day, the city held its annual remembrance ceremony at City Hall, where officials spoke, and American flags were placed around the main fountain, one to signify each of the 2,977 individuals who lost their life that day.

“It’s hard to believe 23 years have passed, but today we are here to honor and remember the events of September 11, 2001,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. “It’s a day that changed our country forever. And it’s a day that changed our lives and our hearts. We will never forget.”

Outside of City Council Chambers, a Cape Coral fire engine proudly displayed a large American flag, and numerous members of Cape Coral fire, police, and EMS were in attendance, as well as many members of the community.

The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the Cape Coral Fire and Police Honor Guards, prayer, and a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

“The memories of that day are crystal clear, and etched into each one of our minds,” Gunter said. “We remember exactly where we were that day, and exactly what we were doing. We remember the shock, the fear, the sadness and the disbelief on that particular day. We remember the lives lost, and the countless families that were changed forever.

“All of these lives were lost in just a few hours. But their legacy will always live forever. We also remember the first responders, the firefighters, the police officers, the medical teams, the doctors, the nurses, who rushed into danger to save those lives that they could. Unfortunately, many of those people never came home. And many more over the years have suffered and passed away from illnesses related to that very unfortunate day. All of those individuals are heroes, and we must never forget.”

The attacks on the United States, in New York City, the Pentagon, and another impending attack that was thwarted by unimaginably brave passengers of United Flight 93, reshaped the path of the nation moving forward. Of the nearly 3,000 who perished, 343 were FDNY firefighters, and 71 law enforcement officers.

“I ask each one of you in our community, throughout the day today, to say a prayer for those families, because I promise you they are still suffering,” Gunter said. “Their memory is a part of us now, and will always be a part of us. And it’s our duty to carry their memory forward.”

Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said he was a police officer nearly five years to the day when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred, working as a patrol officer for CCPD.

“When I came in for duty the next day on Sept.12, along with my shift mates, there was a little bit of uncertainty of what was to be expected. But it quickly came into focus as we talked, and knew what our new mission was. And what we found in the city of Cape Coral on Sept. 12, and throughout the country, was an extraordinary spirit of duty. Only in a post-hurricane have we even come close to that type of spirit. Coming together. Helping one another. Being there for your neighbors.”

Sizemore said one of the most impactful moments in the immediate aftermath of the events, was when he was patrolling the streets, was seeing a Cape Coral fire truck drive by with a newly attached American flag, flapping in the breeze as it passed by.

“I still remember it til this day,” he said. “It was so impactful, I went to the hardware store, on duty, bought an American flag, and when I got home that day, mounted it to the front of my house. To this day, I still have an American flag on the front of my house. I don’t have a flag of a candidate that I like, or a candidate I really hate, just simply the Stars and Stripes. Our divisions melted away that day, and there was a resolve to stand strong and support one another. And it became crystal clear to police and firefighters in our city what our mission was, and what true community service was all about. And that mission carries on.”

Sizemore challenged all in the city to recapture that feeling and spirit felt on Sept. 12, “and to live it each day, without requiring a tragedy to do so.”

Acting Cape Coral Fire Chief Mike Russell recounted each and every first responder and individual who died in the attacks, giving perspective that the number is larger than the total number of employees who work for the city of Cape Coral.

The ceremony concluded with attendees staking 2,977 American flags, each with a name of a victim of the attacks, in the front lawn of City Hall to honor their memory and reaffirming that “We Will Never Forget.”

Russell told attendees, “As you place the flag in the ground, please read the name and reflect to ensure they are not forgotten.”

Some of the name tags featured a badge, or Maltese cross, symbolizing a police officer or firefighter. Russell continued to say an estimated 4,300 people have died of causes directly related to the Sept. 11 attacks since 2001, and that 63,000 are stricken with serious health issues also linked to the events.

“Please reflect on these individuals, and how they impacted so many lives that day, and how many lives they saved,” Russell said. “As you leave here today, in remembrance of those we lost, I invite you to seek opportunities to do good things. To be a positive influence on those around you. To connect with your community, and live as a nation united, as we did on Sept. 12th.”