On Tuesday, Nashville, along with the nation, paid homage to the lives lost in the September 11 attack on our nation. This year marks the 17-year anniversary of the killing of almost 3,000 victims in attacks on the Pentagon, World Trade Center, and United Airlines Flight 93. Nashville Mayor David Briley and other elected officials joined Nashville firefighters and Fire Chief William Swann for a ceremony at the Nashville fallen firefighter memorial at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

“On this day we remember those we lost in the 9/11 attack,” said Mayor David Briley. “Thank you to every firefighter for the sacrifices you make for the sake of the community you love.”

“On September 11, 2001, 17 years ago, we lost something as a nation,” said Chief Swan. “The attacks caused the death of 2996 people and injured more than six thousand others. Form that total we lost 343 firefighters, 37 police officers from the Port Authority, and 23 NYPD. We also lost a sense of security this nation has never regained. That is why it is so important that we honor those we lost. We remember the personnel every day that continues to run toward danger while telling others to run away. Just like on that fateful day in 2001, every day our firefighters and EMS personnel run toward danger to help the lives that are turned upside down.”

The victims of 9-11 were honored, as well as all of the Nashville firefighters who have died since last September 11.

By order of Gov. Haslam, flags over the State Capitol and all State buildings were flown at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day, honoring the memory of those who were lost during the attacks of September 11, 2001.