Today is the day to remember the thousands of lives lost 17 years ago on September 11, 2001. Acadiana first responders paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. 

The march to the monument in Lafayette’s Parc Sans Couci was proceeded by a moment of silence, words of reflection and encouragement.

The fire chief says he remembers the day is firemen and women covered their badges. “Some of those guys wore those covers for a year.  That’s how hard it was for them to grasp the idea that 343 firefighters went to work and didn’t come home,” says Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit.

Mayor-president Joel Robideaux spoke about the sacrifices first responders make every day. “Acknowledge that we appreciate the risks and sacrifices all our first responders make on a daily basis and the families.  The sacrifices they make allowing their loved ones to serve,” adds Robideaux.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber also shared words of acknowledgement especially for those who continue to suffer. “I hope the families who lost loved ones and continue to lose loved ones due to the ongoing illnesses as a result of the exposure at the Twin Towers collapse site can draw some comfort that this nation has not forgotten them and we continue to honor them as we go forward,” says Garber.

“That’s why we gathered to remember those acts of heroism and patriotism; and hope we all live up to those sacrifices that were made that day,” explains Lafayette Police Chief Toby Aguillard.