CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Saturday, the 20-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Gov. Mark Gordon held a wreath-laying ceremony on behalf of the Wyoming Military Department and other state and local agencies.
The event honored the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that took the lives of 2,997 men, women and children.
“Twenty years after that devastating day that every American who was alive that day remembers, we witnessed the American People’s resolve and the best of our spirit even in a time of tragedy,” Gov. Gordon said. “We remember that day and honor all those who sacrificed so much, who answered the call, and who continue to ensure the world remembers there is no better friend, no worse enemy than the people of the United States of America. It is right that we honor all those this day and that in so doing we can affirm that all that day cost us has not been in vain.”
Moments of silence were held to coincide with the timing of American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 hitting the north and south towers of the World Trade Center; American Airlines Flight 77 crashing into the Pentagon; and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Speeches were given by Governor Mark Gordon, U.S. Senator John Barrasso, Major General Greg Porter of the Wyoming National Guard, and Director Lynn Budd from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.
The ceremony also included performances from the Cheyenne All-City Children’s Chorus and the Wyoming Fire Service Combined Pipes and Drums from Casper Fire-EMS Department and the Lander Fire Department. The Wyoming Highway Patrol will post colors.
