Local institutions and officials observed the 16th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Monday, joining the rest of the country in what’s become a nationwide tradition to “never forget.”
“Whether it’s been 16 years or 160 years, we Americans will never forget,” Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said Monday.
That sentiment was felt across the county, as individuals and groups marked the event with varying observances.
The McAllen police and fire departments were among them, holding a moment of silence Monday morning to honor the victims of the attacks.
PSJA Early College High School also held a remembrance ceremony.
U.S. Rep Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, released a statement calling “for all Americans to practice a day of observance to respect the lives” lost in the attacks.
Sharing similar sentiments was U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.
“We remember that as Americans, we must continue to stand up for the rights of all, while upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy and equal opportunity for every individual,” Cuellar said in his statement. “Collectively, we must always remember to bring justice and peace to the families of the victims of 9/11. United we all stand. We will never forget what happened on that fateful September day and we will never stop striving toward creating a better and safer world.”
