The service would be "somber, respectful, reflective, thankful and succinct," said former Ithaca Fire Department Chief Brian Wilbur in his opening remarks at an event to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in downtown Ithaca. Accompanied by a lone bagpipe, the American flag was lowered to half staff as members of the Ithaca Fire and Police departments and the community looked on.

"Today we remember those who lost their lives in heroic efforts to save others," said Cornell President Skorton, echoing the thanks to public safety officials expressed by all of the speakers at the commemoration. "We celebrate those who give their best effort each day on the front lines of national and public security. You have our profound gratitude."

Michael Loveland '12, cadet battalion commander of the Army ROTC at Cornell, recalled the "stories of celebrated bravery and sacrifice" of the first responders 10 years ago and today, commending their "dedication in service and bravery in execution."

First responders saved 25,000 people on 9/11, said Martha Robertson, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, as many as there are residents in Ithaca, she said.

Every individual vividly remembers where he or she was the day of the attacks, said Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson, noting that the event was an important turning point in our awareness of the world. What 9/11 did not change, though, is the work of the first responders, who quickly sprung to action in the wake of Hurricane Irene, which struck the New York City area two weeks ago.

Skorton and Carl E. Haynes, president of Tompkins Cortland Community College, also thanked their campus public safety officers and those in the Ithaca community.

Amid recollections of the tragedy and shock of 9/11, speakers emphasized moving forward while remembering the past. Renee Alexander '74, Cornell associate dean of students and director of intercultural programs, lost her husband in the attacks. As the adviser of the Committee for the Advancement of Muslim Culture, she said she has heard Muslim students describe their experiences of discrimination and prejudice as a "transformational experience," she said. "My lesson from 9/11 is how to move forward without leaving my past behind and to spread a message ... of humanity."

We must remember the unity of the months following the attacks, agreed the speakers. Carson Martinson, the Catholic chaplain at Ithaca College, acknowledged the sacrifice of the New York City Police and Fire departments and encouraged the audience to emulate their example: "These men died while caring for and serving others. May they be in the arms of God and may we never forget. May we serve one another, appreciating the wonder and beauty of every person. May we work together to build a world of love and peace."

The Ithaca Fire Department concluded the ceremony with the sounding of the "5-5-5-5" bell code FDNY uses to signify the death of a firefighter in the line of duty.

Erica Rhodin '12 is a writer intern for the Cornell Chronicle.