9/11 events commemorate lives lost

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Sweetwater County came together to honor and remember those who lost their lives. 

On Saturday morning, the Rock Springs Fire Department hosted a Memorial Walk to honor 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives while working to save victims of the attacks. Residents were invited to join firefighters in climbing Grant Street in Rock Springs. Four lengths of Grant Street simulated the 110 stories of the World Trade Center buildings.

Although the walk started at 7 a.m., people began showing up as early as 6:30 to start their treks down and up the hill. Some ran, some walked in groups and chatted, some carried their children on their backs. Many firefighters wore their gear, while some other residents carried weight vests or hose bundles provided by the fire department to simulate the weight firefighters carried into the twin towers. Many participants received a commemorative challenge coin and all were invited to ring a bell at the top of the street when they finished their walk. 

Those who wanted to do more were given the option to walk 12 lengths of Grant Street to simulate 343 flights of stairs in honor of the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11. Kevin Macy rose to this challenge, doing several of his laps with a fire hose or weight vest and carrying an American flag for the entire walk. 

After the walk, a memorial ceremony was hosted in front of Western Wyoming Community College. Representatives from county first responder services and law enforcement agencies were present at the ceremony. Members of the United States Marine Corp and local veterans were also present. 

The memorial began with a flag ceremony, during which the Rock Springs High School band and choir performed the national anthem. Following the flag ceremony, Rock Springs Fire Chief Jim Wamsley and Mayor Tim Kaumo gave speeches, a letter from Senator John Barrasso was read and a prayer was shared by Pastor Jimmy Chrisawn from the Rock Springs First United Methodist Church. 

"We as Americans vowed to never forget this day, and to never forget those who perished during these events," Kaumo said. "I can assure you that we will never forget ... We as Americans will stand together, we will protect one another, and we will fight for all that's right." 

Following the memorial ceremony, local first responders and law enforcement hosted an open house event in the Western Wyoming Community College parking lot with emergency vehicles, demonstrations and free food. 

"As we look back on that terrible day 20 years ago, let us stand together, looking out for each other, pulling together to help one another remember what this flag waving above us represents," Wamsley said of the memorials.

Memorials and tributes continued at other events throughout the day. A flag presentation that took place in Bunning Park during the Downtown Rock Springs ARTember event. A color guard from American Legion Archie Hay Post 24 presented a flag donated by Wyoming Senator John Barrasso. The flag was flown at half staff while "Taps" played, followed by a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives.