Mazzochi Honors First Responders in Westmont During 9/11 Ceremony

Westmont….. This Patriot’s Day, State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) joined public officials, first responders and community members for an evening September 11 remembrance ceremony.

“On this day of memory, let’s remember how we, the people—ordinary Americans—responded to an attack on our nation,” Mazzochi stated. We did not “sit like sheep. The passengers of the Flight United 93 adapted, innovated, and fought back.” Speaking of the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives that day, Mazzochi asked us to “be grateful for our first responders.” To “remember those who served, those were who attacked, and those who paid the ultimate price on September 11 and in its aftermath.”

Mazzochi thanked Westmont fire Chief Steve Riley, “our host, Fire Station 2, and all of our firefighters, EMTs, police and first responders, whose stated mission is to hold devotion to duty above personal safety and comfort; and provide the best to all of us. You are our first line defenders, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”

Those in attendance, including Mayor Ron Gunter, Police Chief Jim Gunther, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick participated in the ringing of the ceremonial bell to signify the loss of firefighter and other lives, and together they observed a moment of silence.

Mazzochi continued, “We never know when we will be tested. But as Americans, we are willing.” She concluded, “Americans’ commitment of sacrifice, to serve and protect others, and to live as a people who stand free, is what makes our nation exceptional.”