HOULTON, Maine — Members of the Houlton Police and Fire departments paid their respects to fallen comrades Wednesday with a silent vigil in honor of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks.
Each Sept. 11 for the past 18 years, local first responders have gathered in front of the Houlton Fire Department to stand at attention at 8:30 a.m. in a silent vigil for those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. A large U.S. flag was hung from the fire department’s ladder truck.
“It is important for everyone to remember the tragic events that occurred,” Houlton Fire Chief Milton Cone said. “Thankfully, we are not experiencing these types of losses since then. We just wanted to recognize those first responders who lost their lives doing their jobs and duty on that day.”
Cone said it was also important to tip their caps to all first responders.
“It is also important to remember the commitment that men and women make every day,” he added.
The chief said he can still vividly recall where he was when the news of the first plane struck the World Trade Center in New York.
“I was here at work that day and the television happened to be on that morning,” he said. “Everything stopped when the news broke. We were all glued to the television and we were all saying a little prayer for those who were there.”
