MILWAUKEE — Community members, first responders and city leaders came together at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center Sunday morning to honor and remember the lives lost from the 9/11 attacks.

The ceremony included remarks from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

“In the midst of chaos and horror we also saw greatness,” said Crowley. “First responders that ran into the fight. Men and women who put their lives on the line to save others.” 

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Eugene Manzanet attended the ceremony. He grew up in New York but moved to Milwaukee. Manzanet was a banking officer at the U.S. Bank in downtown when the attacks took place.

“I remember having to call family members who were in the building in Tower One and listening to the background noise when they were trying to evacuate,” said Manzanet.

His family made it out safely, but he said it’s important to remember those that lost their lives.

“There were so many that we have to continue to remember,” said Manzanet. “One thing I do remember distinctly about that time was not only the uncertainty, but the sense of unity that brought the country together.”

And that unity was on display at Sunday’s ceremony, with a three-volley salute, wreath laying and, of course, a singing of America’s National Anthem.​