Remembrance ceremony honors DC victims who died on 9/11 at Pentagon

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — First responders and District leaders paid tribute to those who lost their lives at the Pentagon and some who responded that day who are still working for DC Fire and EMS.

At a remembrance ceremony at Engine Company 16, it was somber and reflective of how the District responded to terrorism that day.

“It was 23 years ago and our world changed forever,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

All this time has passed, but the memory of 9/11 is still fresh for paramedic Aretha Lyles.

“I was working overtime at another firehouse. I’m driving to Engine 6, and all of a sudden I see this plane. Oh my God, the plane is so low and that’s when I found out there had been a terrorist act,” said Lyles, who is the president of AFGE Local 3721.

She ended up at work for three days back and forth to the Pentagon.

Fire Chief John Donnelly wasn’t supposed to work that day but answered the call anyway.

“Never forget. Never forget means remembering that everybody had came to work that day, right? Everybody,” Donnelly said.

The ceremony focused on remembering those who risked their lives and those who lost their lives.

Bowser read the names of D.C. Public Schools children and teachers who were on a field trip and other Washingtonians, all aboard flight 77. She also read the names of four Washingtonians who died at the Pentagon.

“We shall never forget them. We pray for their loved ones and their families, and we lift up the many stories of heroism and courage from Sept. 11th,” Bowser said.

Donnelly said remembering 9/11 is about more than just tragedy.

“It’s a celebration of the service and the sacrifice that comes with that service. So that’s what this is about. That’s why we have to remember it,” Donnelly said.

“Let us continue to always talk about events like this. And let us always be ready and protect each other and be kind to each other,” Lyles said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.