Starting at 6:46 a.m., 2,977 names of the lives lost 23 years ago were announced from the clock tower on campus.
In the field on the encampment mall, 298 flags were placed; one flag represented every 10 individuals who died. Every Sept. 11, Utah Tech University holds a commemoration event to remember the tragedy that occurred that day.
“It is to their memory that we commemorate this event; may we always remember,” Karl Watters, veterans coordinator and director of the event, said.
The events of Sept. 11 altered the United States, and now, some generations won’t know what happened that day. This year’s commemoration aimed at exactly that, to remember the past and to educate on the future.
Watters said the event touched on the horrific terrorist attacks to educate the students who were not alive that day. The commemoration instead, was on what 9/11 had transformed into a National Day of Service.
In attendance were:
- Utah Tech University students
- Utah Tech Police Department
- St. George Fire and Police Departments
- Utah Tech ROTC
- Utah Tech Emergency Medical Services
- Mohave County Sheriff’s Department
- Utah Army National Guard’s 222nd Field Artillery Battalion
Around 110 middle school students from Dixie Middle School were also in attendance to learn about the history.
Brian Stock, a sergeant with the Mohave Country Sheriff’s Office, said it is important that new generations learn about 9/11.
Stock said, “Learn from the past, talk to those who experienced it so you get a feel for it; and understand your actions locally have a global impact.”
In the two years Watters has directed the commemoration, he has focused his efforts on educating future generations.
Watters said the overwhelming majority of people were not alive during the attacks in 2001. He considered this more of a history lesson for students in attendance.
Watters said: “Americans overwhelmingly associate the courage and bravery exhibited on 9/11 with the New York Fire Department. This is due, at least in part, because 343 of the 413 first-responders that died that day, were firefighters.”
St. George fire chief, Robert Stoker, spoke about two firefighters, Joseph and Kevin Pfeifer, and the brave men and women who died that day.
Stoker said: “We consider those we work with in the fire service as our second family. We often refer to those we work with as our brothers and sisters. The two individuals I want to speak on today were not only brothers in the fire service, but were brothers born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.”
The brothers were the first to arrive on the scene that day. They were on a routine call near the towers when they saw the plane hit the tower.
Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer’s leadership was crucial in managing the initial response efforts that ensured the safety of many firefighters and citizens, Stoker said.
“On the day of the attack, the bond between Joseph and Kevin was tested in the most profound way,” Stoker said. “As the first chief fire officer on scene, Joseph was directing rescue efforts in the north tower when he saw Kevin, who was part of a team entering the south tower. They exchanged a silent meaningful look that would be their final goodbye.”
This speech highlighted one small story out of the 413 first responders who died. This included 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 13 paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
During the commemoration, three community members were awarded the Spirit of Service award. Watters said it was an attempt to recognize those within the community who have led lives that exemplify exceptional service.
“I view the Spirit of Service as a lifetime service award, reserved for those who have continuously and consistently demonstrated dedication to quietly serve their fellow man, without thought of reward or recognition, throughout their life,” Watters said.
The award winners were Reverend Jimi Kestin, Officer Kevin Chamberlain and Julie Packard.
Kestin founded Solomon’s Porch Foursquare Fellowship church. They also created the Friday Food Pantry and the Sunday Feast. This provides more than 20,000 meals a year for those in need.
Chamberlain served in Iraq in 2007, joined the St. George Police Department in 2006 and recently retired from the Army National Guard as a first sergeant.
Packard became a dispatcher 13 years ago. She is also the first vice president of the National Emergency Number Association Utah State chapter.
SGPD said both Chamberlain and Packard exemplified a long-standing commitment to help those in need, protect and defend citizens’ rights and unwavering dedication to serving St. George embodied the Spirit of Service award.
The commemoration, coupled with community involvement, helped teach new generations how important it is to learn about the history that happened 23 years ago. This event was a way for community members and students to come together to learn and remember the tragic history of 9/11.
