Remembering September 11th In Mobile

Under a gigantic flag, members of Mobile Fire Rescue and the Mobile Police department gather along Airport Boulevard to pay tribute to those who perished on 9-11. These public servants say being a first responder is like being in a brotherhood.

“When one of us hurt, all of us are hurt and it's something you have to be in the service to fully understand,” says Fire-Rescue Chief Stephen Dean. They say it doesn't matter the destruction of September 11th happened hundreds of miles away, what matters is that it did happen.

“There are people who will give their lives for others we never need to forget that and we never need to forget them,” says Dean. One of the important messages to come out of today's ceremonies is that we shouldn't forget the heroes that walk among us.

“They stand out here and go to work everyday, so remember those heroes because they are among us today and they protect this city and this country,” says Mobile Police Chief Phillip Garrett. At Battleship Park, people check out one of the newer exhibits. A Pentagon memorial recreates a damaged room from 9-11. A mannequin wears clean-up gear used eight years ago in DC by local veteran Ronald Mix. It's a display they're very proud of.

“The fact that so many veterans and people have given their lives in defense of this nation,” says museum aircraft manager Mike Thompson. The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception held its annual 9-11 mass today. It's a way for people at this church to say thank-you to our first responders

“[It] might seem like a normal day, but each day is the risk of losing your life or getting harmed by just carrying out your duty,” says Vicar General Michael Farmer. Organizers say these events are important to have every year so that we never forget.