Eagan Honors 9/11 Heroes

In a short, simple, reverent ceremony, the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were remembered and honored at the Eagan Tribute and Memorial Plaza.

Representatives from the police, fire and military were on hand to place a wreath in commemoration of those who lost their lives on a day much like this one ten years ago.

Tom Mollon, commander of the Eagan American Legion Post and a principal planner of today's ceremony made introductory remarks. "We all have our own memories, our own people that we would honor. Today, here in Eagan, we want to honor those in the military, police, fire, and the civilians who were killed in that horrendous event that occurred on 9/11."

Eagan Fire Department Chaplain Bruce Ruggles offered a brief invocation before he was joined by Mollon, officer Lisa Fancher from the Eagan Police Department, and Sen. Ted Daley (R-38) to place a wreath at the foot of flags. American, police and fire flags were up at half staff in honor of the 2,977 people who lost their lives 10 years ago.

Also attending the memorial event was Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. "It's a tough day, but I think it's important that our communities come together to take even just a minute to make sure that we never forget 9/11," he said.

Daley, dressed in army fatigues from his years of military service, said "it's a solemn day; one on which we remember those who sacrificed so much on that day, and those who have since."

Eagan Police Chief Jim McDonald said that as a public servant, it's heartwarming that the community still remembers those sacrifices. He also hopes such events remind the public we are still under threat, and we have to constantly remain vigilant so a similar attack never happens again.