Posted at: 09/11/2012 6:42 PM
Updated at: 09/11/2012 6:47 PM
By: Katie Eldred

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9/11 Anniversary in Rochester

(ABC 6 News) -- 11 years ago Tuesday our nation changed forever after the terror attacks of 9/11.

More than three thousand people died when terrorists crashed plans into the twin towers, the pentagon, and when a plane went down in a field in Pennsylvania.

Rochester police fire and other first responders gathered in peace plaza Tuesday to remember those that lost their lives on that fateful day eleven years ago.

A day that has now become a time to reflect on all of those that died and all of those that continue to serve our community and country.

The bell of honor rang out across peace plaza to remember a morning that the nation will never forget.

"It's one of those things that if you were anywhere, you remember just where," said Mayor Ardell Brede.

Captain John Sherwin of Rochester Police Department says the tragedy of 9-11 hit close to home for many first responders.

"It really just shows that you never know what you’re going to go into in a tragedy like that, those first responders thought they were going to put that fire out and they ended up losing their lives along with so many civilians."

The Rochester ceremony also included tribute to those who have lost their lives since 9-11 fighting for our freedom.

"It's a sobering thing and we just need to be vigilant,” said Brede.

"As the time has progressed people have wanted to move on, but it's really worth it to have a day to just remember," said Captain Sherwin.

The bell of honor was rung in Peace Plaza at the exact time the first plane hit the towers 7:45 a.m. our time and 8:45 a.m. in New York.