Here’s how Utahns honored the people who lost their lives on 9/11 in 2024

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Utahns turned out by the thousands to remember the nearly 3,000 American lives that were lost when the Twin Towers fell in 2001. Statewide, flags were lowered to half-staff in observance of the day.

In Sandy, more than 300 first responders from 16 different agencies, and nearly 100 FBI agents climbed the stairs at America First Field, retracing the steps of those first responders in New York. To many, the events of 9/11 are still fresh in their minds.

Some of the firefighters did the challenge in full gear in memory of the 343 firefighters who died on that day 23 years ago. The names and stories of those lost echoed throughout the stadium.

“It makes it a lot more real seeing what they went through walking up those stairs, and I don’t even have the full experience. I don’t have the gear on, and it was still pretty hard. I have a lot more respect for them,” Michael Haley Spear, a cadet with the Salt Lake C ounty Sheriff’s Office said.

For Shohini Sinha, the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake FBI Field Office, it was an opportunity for immersion.

“It really is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the events of that day and how that’s impacted the families and the nation,” she said.

Also in Sandy, displays of American flags flew on the Sandy City promenade to honor those killed in the attacks.

In Saratoga Sprin g s , over 1,000 residents volunteered as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service . Residents helped several causes throughout the Utah Valley region. Some made fleece blankets for Eagle Mountain non-profit, Wyatt’s Comfort Bundles . Others made thank-you bags for first responders and cleaned up area parks.

“We are excited to see so many youth groups and others joining together to make our city better,” Corrine Prestwich, civic events coordinator for Saratoga Springs said in a press release.

The city partnered with the Alpine School District, JustServe, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , who helped provide volunteer opportunities to residents.

In Davis County, the Clinton Fire Department posted a video to Facebook early this morning to honor those first responders lost on 9/11.

“We take a moment early this morning to remember all the lives lost this day in 2001. Rest in Peace to the 343 and counting… We’ll take it from here,” the fire department said on Facebook.

The city of Magna dedicated a memorial sculpture, which now stands outside Unified Fire Station 102. “This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of all those affected by the events of September 11th,” Lisa Henrie, chairperson and co-founder of 911 Magna Remembers said. Henrie noted that she’s also grateful for the city’s support.

In southern Utah, Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue had several events going on throughout the day. Events included a pancake breakfast and a motorcycle rally. Events started at Hurricane Valley’s fire station on State Street in Hurricane.

In the Cache Valley region, the Major Brent Taylor Foundation has put together an exhibit that can be viewed from Sept. 11-14 at the Hansen Family Sports Complex in North Logan for free from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The foundation will also host the “Tunnel to Towers 5K,” and a blood drive on Saturday, Sept. 14.

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