MILWAUKEE -- Local leaders and the Milwaukee community gathered for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the War Memorial Center in Milwaukee Monday morning.
The United States changed forever when terrorists flew two planes into the World Trade Center. Another plane went into the Pentagon. A fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers rushed the hijackers, killing all on board.
"Today we remember. We honor their sacrifice. Today we remember the first responders going in when other people ran out," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.
- PHOTOS: Remembering Sept. 11, 2001
Nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks. 412 were emergency workers, including 343 firefighters.
One of the local leaders at the ceremony was Senator Ron Johnson. He talked about remembering what happened 16 years ago today, but also the importance of teaching students the history of 9-11.
"We need to make sure our young people also remember. New generations are born, and they didn't witness the tragedy. That's why we teach history," said Senator Johnson.
White wreaths were laid to represent the first responders and branches of military who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
At the end of the ceremony, participants stood in line to ring the USS Milwaukee bell.
