MILTON, Del. — Hundreds of people gathered at the Milton Fire Department on Thursday to remember the people who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Milton firefighter Alan Jackson marked the anniversary by completing his final mile in a personal tribute to the firefighters who died that day. Jackson has been running one mile for each of the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11.
John Hopkins, the Milton Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief, says Jackson started the run because he wanted to do something meaningful to honor those who died.
“He just wanted to do something special,” Hopkins said. “We supported him. The community supported him. Everybody’s picked it up, and we just love the guy.”
For those who attended the event, remembering the lives lost on 9/11 goes beyond marking the anniversary each year.
Diane Bitterle said it is important to remember not only those who died on 9/11, but first responders who continue to lose their lives while serving their communities.
“We want to make sure that people don’t forget,” Bitterle said. “Not only did we lose individuals on that day, we lose individuals, our first responders, every day. So I think it’s important that we remember them every day.”
For people who lived through the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the anniversary also serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching younger generations about what happened.
Charlene Jones said she hopes young people understand the impact the attacks had on the country.
“It was really horrible 25 years ago,” Jones said. “When you’re teaching and this happens and you’re trying to protect children. And I just need the young people today to remember and know what happened.”
The event served as a way for the Milton community to honor those who were lost and remember the sacrifices made by first responders.
