BOZEMAN — On Thursday morning at 9:03 a.m. — the time the South Tower of the World Trade Center was struck by a plane 24 years ago — first responders and community members came together at Bozeman Public Safety Center to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Pictured: Ceremony at Bozeman Public Safety Center (credit: MTN News)
“It’s a day to remember those who have served their communities and their country in the past and to thank them for their service,” said Chief Jim Veltkamp of Bozeman Police Department.
“I really hope we don’t ever forget the sacrifice on that day,” said Chief Jason Kolman on Bozeman Fire Department.
“Of the nearly 3,000 that died, 411 were first responders, 2 were Montanans, who were on American Airlines flight 77, which flew into The Pentagon,”
MTN also spoke with two veterans, who vividly recall where they were when the attacks happened.
“I was sitting in an airplane at Gallatin Field, waiting to take off,” said Steve Holland, a veteran and American Legion member. “We knew something very serious had happened, and we were back in the terminal in time to watch the second airplane hit the tower.”
“I was actually on active duty in the Marine Corps at the time. I was stationed in Camp Pendleton and I was in my 19th year and I was on the pistol range. I needed to get a qualification score, so that I could submit my retirement package,” said Dan Ritter, a veteran and member of the board of directors for the American Legion post in Bozeman. “That was the only thing I was missing. And they called us off the front of the line, and said ‘this is not a drill, go back to your units, there’s been an attack.’”
“And so then of course after that, my retirement papers went right in the garbage,” he added.
WATCH: Bozeman community comes together with American Legion Post 14 to honor the lives lost in 9/11
MTN asked Holland and Ritter what they were feeling in the moment they found about the attacks.
“The strongest memory I have is the shock, the emotional response of watching that second plane hit the tower,” said Holland.
“Probably angry,” said Ritter. “My initial thought, was you know, what a cowardist thing to do.”
Ritter says the American Legion is appreciative of the work of first responders, and this ceremony is a way to show that support.
“First responders, sometimes people don’t realize what they do until they do something, and when they do something, something bad happens,” said Ritter. “But you know what? They’re ready all the time and we appreciate that.”
RELATED — 9/11 remembrance motorcycle ride in Great Falls on Thursday
