Portage’s 25th 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony: Reflections and Unity

A Nation’s Unity Remembered

The city of Portage marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a remembrance ceremony, emphasizing the spirit of unity that emerged on September 12, 2001. Mayor Austin Bonta and Assistant Police Chief Ted Uzelac encouraged attendees to remember the togetherness that followed the tragic events of September 11, not merely the events themselves.

Mayor Bonta shared insights from a high school student who inquired whether the unity felt in Portage after a recent storm resembled the national spirit post-9/11. Bonta affirmed that the communal support extended beyond mourning, fostering a sense of unity through shared grief and resolve.

Bonta noted, “Somewhere between the attacks and the unity, somebody cut somebody off in traffic again,” highlighting the fleeting nature of collective compassion.

The Importance of Education and Memory

Uzelac stressed the significance of educating young people, particularly those born after the attacks, about the national response to 9/11 to ensure it is embedded within the national consciousness. He emphasized that unity does not require agreement; it relies on understanding and empathy.

Uzelac reflected on the bravery demonstrated by ordinary people, describing acts of selfless service during the crisis. He observed that firefighters, police officers, office workers, and passengers united in heroism, risking their lives for one another.

“These were not superheroes; these were men and women who made quiet decisions on that day,” Uzelac stated.

A Moment of Collective Action

The unity experienced in the aftermath of 9/11 was evident in various acts: flags adorned porches that had never flown them before; lines formed at blood banks; donations surged into relief funds, and candlelight vigils were held across diverse communities.

Uzelac remarked on the essence of unity, which lies not in a lack of disagreement but in treating one another as fellow Americans. He underscored that the strength of the nation resides in the willingness to help one another during challenging times.

“Let’s remember that the strength of this nation has never rested in its power or its wealth, but in the willingness of ordinary people to do hard things for one another,” Uzelac said.

Symbolism of Unity and Hope

Myers Elementary School Principal Jon Evers brought students to plant pinwheels, symbolizing peace, unity, remembrance, and hope. Evers recalled his ninth-grade biology class the day the planes hit the Twin Towers, a memory he described as unforgettable.

Bonta, too, shared his experience as a fifth grader attending Mass when he learned of the attacks. Uzelac recounted his realization at the police station that the attacks marked a pivotal moment in history.

Personal Stories and Reflections

Portage firefighter Tyler Rosenbaum, Police Chief Ted Uzelac, and other local figures reminisced about their experiences during the attacks, each with unique perspectives shaped by their roles and personal journeys.

Uzelac, deployed to Iraq post-9/11, described witnessing the determination of Iraqis voting during elections as inspiring, reinforcing the global impact of striving for democracy.

Retired firefighter Chuck Litzkow and Fire Chief Chris Crail reflected on the seriousness of their professions and the palpable tension felt when considering potential threats to local security.

Retired Fire Chief Randy Wilkening and Mayor Doug Olson worked on emergency responses, recalling the eerie silence that shrouded the town on the day of the attacks.

Amid concerns over gas prices, the city experienced long lines at stations, signifying uncertainty and communal fear during those tumultuous times.