Baltimore-area communities honor first responders, victims of 9/11 attacks: 'We stand united'

BALTIMORE - Many of us remember 9/11, the day the world stood still.

Though it has been 22 years, the gravity and impact still radiate through each and every community.

On Monday, memorial services in Baltimore and across the state paid tribute to the victims and first responders impacted directly by the terrorist attacks.

Nearly 3,000 people died when four hijacked commercial flights crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Sixty-nine Marylanders died in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

"Today, we remember, we honor, we stand united," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.

From Baltimore City to Anne Arundel and Harford counties, services honored the victims and first responders who continue to risk their lives to save others.  

At the World Trade Center in Baltimore City, Mayor Scott and first responders honored those who lost their lives that day with a wreath-laying ceremony.

"May we never forget the souls of our fellow Marylanders and all of those whose lives were cut short on that day," Mayor Scott said. "May we never forget the bravery shown on that day."

The ceremony was held in front of a section of I-beam salvaged from the remains of New York's World Trade Center after the attacks.

"We express gratitude to, not only those who lost their lives, but to all the men and women who continue to serve on the front lines, risking their lives every day, to protect and serve," Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said.

"For anybody that's in the service, it's a very somber day," added Tom Miller, from the Fallston Volunteer Fire Company.

The Baltimore Ravens and Dunkin' showed their appreciation to local police officers and firefighters by giving them donuts and coffee to show their appreciation.

"Most people are running away from danger where our firefighters are women and men are running towards the danger," Baltimore City Fire spokesperson Kevin Cartwright said. "So this isn't just a casual job. It's a lifestyle."

Turning tragedy into triumph, the heroic efforts of that day served as a source of inspiration, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said.

"It's inspires us to continue in that same vein of heroic self sacrifice," Cassilly said. "And it's a it's a beautiful thing to remember. Our country was able to turn a horrible evil tragedy into an inspirational event and we're going to continue to remember that every year."

We stand in unity, also remembering the hundreds of people who suffered post-9/11 related illnesses, and the countless families directly impacted by the tragedy.

Here are other events held across the area.