Remembering and Honoring those Lost on 911

U. P. Mayor Javier Figueroa and Police Chief Pat Burke participated in a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Reflection Park, joined by West Pierce Fire & Rescue Chief Jim Sharp and Lakewood Police Department representatives. Located in front of WPFR Station 31, the park honors nearly 3,000 victims and features a “Weeping Wall” memorial with the names of 403 first responders who lost their lives. Figueroa urged attendees to reflect on the heroism and compassion displayed 24 years ago, stating, “It feels better to care and console than to blame or berate.

” He emphasized the need for kindness, saying, “What better way to show that if we learned anything from the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it is that it’s important to come together to ease the pain. ” The ceremony also included a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, brought to Washington by WPFR firefighters in 2012. This event served as a significant reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, and the ongoing need for compassion in today's society. Reflection Park stands as a testament to the community's commitment to remembering those lost. Local officials are committed to honoring the memory of victims through annual ceremonies and community outreach.