LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Fire Department's (LFD) headquarters was filled with many in the community on Wednesday to honor service members who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Mayor Craig Greenberg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and LFD Chief Brian O'Neill shared stories of their personal connections to the tragedy 23 years ago, along with recognizing the hard work service members put in every day.
"I lost a friend and former classmates that day," Beshear said, adding he visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum last year and was able to listen to his friend's voice for the first time in decades.
But the governor wasn't the only Kentucky leader to share their personal connection to the tragic attack in New York City.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the day holds a special place in his heart because it reminds him of his grandfather who was a firefighter in New York. Greenberg said his grandfather retired years before the terrorist attacks, but the same engine he rode in, 207, was the same engine that was called to the World Trade Center.
"None of them were ever found, not even a tool," he said.
When LFD Chief Brian O'Neill spoke, he outlined the importance of honoring those who not only died on 9/11 but also the service members who died because of injuries they sustained for simply doing their jobs.
"We remember the 360 firefighters who have died since that day from 9/11 related cancers or illnesses," O'Neill said. "And it's not just us it's our brothers and sisters in blue, 72 law enforcement officers were killed that day, and to this day 300 law enforcement officers who have died because of the work that they put in."
Meanwhile, in Fort Knox, the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs honored 9/11 heroes with "Patriot Day".
"I hope we remember the events of 9/11, those who were lost, those who were impacted, and remember the importance of community of service to our nation and to each other," Maj. General Johnny Davis said.
At the ceremony, a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center stood tall at the headquarters -- a stark reminder of what is left and why we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.