Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hagood rings the bell at the 9/11 memorial display in front of the Vienna Fire Department Wednesday during a memorial ceremony marking 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

VIENNA — It was 23 years ago Wednesday when terrorist attacks against the United States — with planes flown into the Twin Towers in New York City, into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa. — changed the nation forever.

To remember the brave safety forces and first responders who came to help others that day, with a number losing their lives, a 9/11 memorial ceremony took place outside the Vienna Fire Department.

Approximately 100 people, including many firefighters, emergency medical technicians and police officers, gathered for the ceremony.

Fire Lt. John Hinely said a special memorial was built in front of the fire department in 2011 to remember those who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

“This is an opportunity for us to come together and remember those who lost their lives and also to pay tribute to all the firefighters, EMS workers and first responders everywhere,” Hinely said.

“We remember those who put their lives on the line and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others.”

Fire Chief Richard Brannon, who will be retiring later this month after 29 years, said this will be his last 9/11 service as chief.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this great community. This memorial is not just part of this fire department, but the entire community of Vienna Township,” Brannon said.

He said that in 2009, Hinely told him about something he saw on the internet where artifacts and parts of the Twin Towers in New York were being made available from the 9/11 families and the New York Port Authority.

“Being the fire chief of a small community such as Vienna, I could not fathom losing one firefighter let alone 343,” Brannon said.

He said the Vienna department secured artifacts for the memorial.

“So many lives were lost because of that tragedy. It is also a reminder of the freedoms we have and the price that has to be paid. To me, Sept. 11, 2001, still feels like just yesterday. Today, we remember those heroes and express our eternal gratitude,” Brannon said.

He said of the 2,997 people who died on Sept. 11, 2001, 343 were firefighters and emergency responders.

A laying of a wreath at the 9/11 memorial and ringing of a bell concluded the ceremony.

The Rev. Patrick Mitchell, lead pastor of Liberty Assembly of God, said people remember this day with love and compassion, grieving with those who still mourn, and sharing memories with those who cannot forget.

“We remember those who gave their lives that day to help and serve others,” he said.

BRANNON HONORED

Following the 9/11 service, a special thank you was held for Brannon recognizing him for his years of service as fire chief and as a member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. He is retiring Sept. 25.

Firefighter Mark Haddle said Brannon has been a faithful and dedicated public servant to the community for more than 45 years, with 29 as chief.

”He guided and grew this department from a fledgling volunteer department to a modern and well-equipped fire department and advanced life support service to handle any situation that came their way,” Haddle said.

He said Brannon was always there and knew what to do from raging infernos at homes and buildings to rescuing an injured pelican from Girard Lake.

“He was always there guiding our response, Thank you chief from all of us. Enjoy your well deserved retirement,”‘ Haddle said.

Brannon said he will miss the job and being part of the 9/11 memorial ceremony.

“This 9/11 memorial will always be in my heart,” he said.