Michigan Lawmakers Remember Sept. 11 Victims
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Among the thousands of Americans who were killed on 9-11-2001, 17 were from Michigan.
A Michigan economist who survived the Sept. 11 attacks a decade ago told state lawmakers Thursday that the terrorists failed to meet some of their objectives.
Patrick Anderson, an East Lansing economist, escaped from a hotel at the World Trade Center complex in New York City soon after the first plane struck a tower.
"The enemy that attacked us tried not to just destroy our buildings, but also to demoralize us as a people and detach us from our roots," Anderson said during a ceremony at the Michigan House to mark the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the attacks. "Now as we gather here today, we know and the world knows they have failed."
Anderson watched as the twin towers fell. He spoke about his memories of that day.
"I recall the sight of firefighters rushing into burning buildings. I recall them working feverishly to help others escape ... myself and many others may not have made it out if not for their efforts," Anderson said.
Lawmakers invited emergency personnel, such as firefighters and police, to the ceremony at Michigan's Capitol. The ceremony was intended to honor victims and first responders related to the attacks.
The House ceremony noted the 17 victims who were Michigan residents, reading their names and noting where each was killed.
Victims died when planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon. Others died during the attacks when a hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
