LYMAN — “Where were you…” and the memory, shock and disbelief still linger following the traumatic attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the downed plane passengers took control of to keep the plane from hitting the White House.

The evening of 9/11 2019, 18 years to the date of the attack on American soil, proved to be a cold evening with a breeze for those who attended the ceremony honoring the heroes and the fallen of the fateful day. As the night progressed, the breeze lightened some as the skies to the west started to clear, but the cold remained.

Wednesday night’s ceremony focused on the value and work of first responders as they strived to take control and minimize the damages of the event. In addition, first responders were also thanked for the on-going efforts of the groups.

Uinta County Sheriff Doug Matthews noted more than 300 firefighters lost their lives that day. He said the tragedy “brought the country together.” He also credited the first-responders for being on the field in Uinta County when a tragedy or problem exists. Matthews read the 1869 letter of Abraham Lincoln to Lydia Parker Bixby about her loss of five sons during the Civil War.

Father Augustine, priest at St. Helen’s in Fort Bridger and St. Mary Magdalene in Evanston, said, “We as Americans need to be vigilant. As for the first responders, thank you for putting your life on the line.” He also urged parent to tell their children every day they loved them and for others to express their love to those whom they love. He said 9-11 started as a normal day, but thousands died before the end of the day, and those families and people didn’t have the chance to tell their loved ones that night, that they were loved. 

Natalie Condos, a member of the U.S. Army said, “ I was there, but not there.” She said she had joined the Army 1999. She said she was stationed at Fort Meyers on 9-11. When the first plane crashed into the towers, a person came in and told her group. When the second plan crashed into the towers, they were again told. She talked about Captain Baker who was in charge of the group, who was a bit unconventional for the Army, took it upon herself to get body armor for everyone in the group. The group later found out Captain Baker was being investigated as she didn’t follow procedure by going through her commander.