A crowd gathered in silence and in prayer in Nash Square on Monday morning to honor the thousands who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Monday's tribute began with a siren at 8:46 a.m., which was the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Marilyn Libby, who is married to a police officer, said the commemoration was especially moving.
"Every time they recognize (police), I think it's a tribute to all those who gave their lives today," she said.
Raleigh's fire department remembered the New York City firefighters who lost their lives with a moment of silence. They stood at attention at 9:59, which was the time when the south tower collapsed.
Even though the attacks weren't in Raleigh, police officers and firefighters said the terrorist attacks still hit close to home.
"It's just like a brotherhood nationwide -- or worldwide really," said Raleigh Fire Department Capt. Keith Tessinear. "I don't know personally any New York firefighters, but I know that after that event, Raleigh sent personnel to New York and some of them came down here, so it's just a brotherhood."
The events of Sept. 11, 2001 moved Brad Lupton so much that he became a volunteer firefighter after the attacks.
"It's something about wanting to make a difference in people. You want to be there to help somebody who can't help himself or herself," he said.
Copyright 2006 by Media General Communications, Inc.. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
