Fairfax City Remembers 9/11 Fallen and Thanks Community Heroes

Fairfax residents came together on Sunday to honor victims of the attacks against our nation 10 years ago.

"10 years ago today, we all woke up to a beautiful September morning," Lederer said. "When we went to bed that night, over 3000 men and women innocently lost their lives in a series of tragic events that unfolded that would shape a generation."

The Patriot Day celebration was held at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center. Residents, business owners and city officials also gathered to honor local public safety officials and members of the armed forces, as well as accept a steel beam from the World Trade Center for display at the Veterans' Amphitheater. 

Fairfax mayor Robert F. Lederer moderated the event and performed the dedication ceremony receiving a steel remnant of the Twin Towers to be displayed at the Veterans' Amphitheater in a grove of trees on City Hall grounds.

"19 faceless terrorists set out that day to attack us. They tried to cower us and they tried to redefine us," Lederer said. "I am proud to say that 10 years later, what defines us as a community is not the tragedies of September 11, but rather, how we reacted as a society and the strength and resilience as a community that we've now shown each and every day since those attacks."

The Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band led the dedication ceremony, performing "America."

Father David Whitestone of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church was in attendance and gave an invocation.

"[Let us] especially recall the selfless first responders, firefighters, police, emergency workers and other persons who risked -- and many times lost their lives -- in their greatest efforts to save others," Whitestone said. "A decade later we have come together again across religious, political, social and ethical lines to stand as one people, to heal wounds and defend against violence."

As part of an annual tradition, the firefighters and police officer of the year were recognized for 2010. Nelson Stewart, a career firefighter and paramedic was recognized as firefighter of the year. The Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department also recognized Jennie Ogilvie for her "unmatched" contributions.

Detective Shawn Sutherland was recognized as the 2010 police officer of the year. Last September, Sutherland was the first responder at a house fire and saw a man run into the burning home to rescue his son. Sutherland risked his life by running in after the man and getting him to safety.

The man’s son was not in the house.

Girl Scout Troop 4288 led the pledge of Allegiance after the colors were presented by the Fairfax Police and Fire Joint Color Guard. The Fairfax High School A Capella Singers performed "Taps."

The ceremony concluded with a candlelight vigil. City officials walked around the room lighting residents’ candles while the Emerald Society Pipe Band performed “Shenandoah.”

Before leaving, everyone in attendance had the opportunity to shake hands with every police officer and firefighter in the room. Everyone took the opportunity -- some even hugging each and every officer and firefighter.