Missouri Task Force One (MO-TF1) members and other first responders, veterans, students, Mizzou leaders and elected officials in both parties gathered Friday at Mizzou’s Traditions Plaza to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
Mizzou provost Matthew Martens tells 939 the Eagle that he’s humbled and impressed with the turnout:
“It really speaks to the impact that 9-11 had but it also speaks to the importance of our community, the Mizzou community (and) the Columbia community,” Provost Martens says.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe spoke at the wreath-laying ceremony, thanking first responders for putting others first. There were also dozens of current and former MO-TF1 members at Traditions Plaza. Many of them spent ten days at Ground Zero after the terror attack, searching the rubble for survivors. Provost Martens praises them:
“It’s really important for us to not forget and to have those folks who picked up, put themselves at risk and went out to New York to aid in those efforts,” he says.
There were few dry eyes at the ceremony, which also featured the Boone County Fire Protection District’s pipe and drums.