CARIBOU, Maine — Last Sunday marked 15 years since the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked, resulting in the loss of countless lives. With rain and thunder roaring under grey skies, Caribou’s fire and ambulance department held a brief ceremony at the fire station in remembrance of those who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Webster defines a hero as any person admired for their courage, nobility, exploits, or any person admired for their qualities, achievements, and regarded for the ideals of being a model,” said Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi.
“Emergency service personnel and military have long been admired for these traits. Service people in general placing themselves in situations of risk and danger for the benefit of saving others. Fifteen years ago today, our nation not only experienced one of the largest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, but it experienced the deadliest incident for emergency service personnel in history.
“Courage isn’t that you can see what lies ahead,” the chief continued. “Courage means you will advance not knowing, but doing at all costs. As for my definition of a hero, there were thousands of heroes who arose on that dark day to perform acts of courage, selflessness, compassion, and nobility.”
Kim Rohn of Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s office and Phil Bosse of Sen. Collins’ staff read letters written by the legislators.
Collins’ letter mentioned the lives of Mainers lost during the attacks, and emphasized the importance of protecting American values.
“In what seemed like a moment,” wrote Senator Collins, “September 11th was transformed from a day like any other into one that, for as long as our nation endures, will stand alone. The loss we relive reminds us of the value of all that we must protect. The heroism reminds us of the unconquerable spirit of the American people. Our accomplishments remind us that we can meet any challenge with decisive action. As long as we keep the meaning of this day of remembrance in our hearts, we will meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
Congressman Bruce Poliquin expressed concern with doing everything “humanly possible to protect the freedoms and liberties” that America represents, by taking a stand to any who wish to do the nation harm.
“Let us never forget those who lost their lives on 9-11 and in the fight for freedom since,” the congressman wrote. “Let us also renew that proud American spirit and shared commitment to liberty and justice that united us in the days that followed. Thank you to those who made today’s meaningful remembrance here in Caribou possible, especially our thoughtful host, Chief Susi here at the Caribou Fire Department. God Bless America and those who keep us safe and free.”
