Indianapolis International Airport fell silent this morning to mark the 14th anniversary of 9/11.
Gov. Mike Pence stood silently facing the tarmac for five minutes, alongside four police officers bearing two memorial wreaths, a fire helmet and a police officer's cap, symbols of the first responders who died at the World Trade Center.
Pence told the crowd the anniversary is a time to remember not only September 11's victims and their families, but the police, firefighters and armed forces responsible for keeping the country safe from future attacks.
Pence called the soldiers who have fought the war on terror since 9/11 “the new greatest generation.”
“While our enemies meant to harm this nation, that day ultimately gave rise to a new season of courage, of unity, of purpose,” Pence says.
The governor reminded onlookers that nine Hoosiers were among those killed on 9/11, including General Timothy Maude, the highest-ranking military officer killed in the attack on the Pentagon. But he noted many Indiana firefighters and civilians loaded up their cars and drove directly to the East Coast to assist rescue efforts.
“May God grant his unique comfort this day to the families of those we lost and may God grant a special measure of grace and gratitude to those who wear the uniform at home and abroad,” Pence says.
In downtown Indianapolis, Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann laid a wreath at the salvaged World Trade Center beam which forms the centerpiece of Indy's 9/11 memorial.
