Never Forget; Always remember

The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States brought many individuals togethers all across the country. On Saturday morning in Grants, the Grants Fire and Rescue along with the Grants Police Department, the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office and other first responder agencies gathered at the Grants Fire Department to remember the tragic event that took place 20 years ago.

At 8:46 a.m., the memorial service began with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the attack in New York, Washington D.C. and in Pennsylvania which was followed by a prayer by Chaplain Dale Thatcher.

Several speakers addressed the crowd on hand, which was around 50 citizens, the first speaker was Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks.

Hicks recalled where he was when the attacks took place, saying he was working his job at Western New Mexico prison.

“I saw the first tower on the television had been hit by a plane and thought to myself, wow some idiot just crashed his plane into the World Trade Center tower,” Hicks said. “But when I watched the second plane approach and hit the second tower, I said oh my god we’re at war.”

Hicks spoke about how this tragic event is still affecting individuals today and the death toll from the 9/11 attacks continue to rise every year.

Hicks voiced his appreciation to all the first responders and military personnel that were directly involved with the 9/11 attacks and for all the first responders and military personal that are still putting their lives on the line every day since then.

Grants City Manager Vanessa Chavez recalled her memories of that day and urged citizens to continue to help those that were affected by the tragic event.

“We can all continue to reach out and help those that are still suffering from that day,” Chavez said.

Grants Fire Chief Robert Hays spoke to the crowd, giving praise to all the first responder agencies in the United States and in Cibola County.

“This day has been known as the day we never forget,” Hays said. “I would like to add to that phrase by saying we should always remember. Remember all the events that our great country has been through. Pearl Harbor, both world wars, all the wars we have fought in. All the tragic events our country has seen. We must always remember those events and the individuals involved”

Following the speeches, Grants Fire Department, Grants Police Department and the Emergency Medical Services all presented wreaths to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Lt. Mike Maes and Manager Chavez they unveiled the 9/11 memorial artwork which is located at the Grants Fire Department.

Fred Rael of the Veterans of Foreign Wars then played Taps on the bugle which was followed by Keith Henry playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Grants Fire Department Deputy Chief Joe Valencia then did the Call to Quarters, “Striking The Four Fives.”

Hays then ordered the lowering of the flag to half mast to honor all the fallen of the 9/11 attacks.