People gather for annual event in Pueblo to remember 9/11

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Friday, we recognized those who died 19 years ago in the September 11th attacks. One of the biggest traditions every year is the annual 9/11 Memorial held outside on the Riverwalk in Pueblo.

At exactly 7:58 a.m., the first bell rang, symbolizing when the first tower fell in the mountain time zone. Along with the ringing of the bell, the men and women who lost their lives 19 years ago today were remembered with a gun salute, the National Anthem, and the playing of Taps.

Matt Albright, Director of the Center for American Values said, “19 years later, I know a lot of kids weren’t around but it is our responsibility as a community a country to keep the memories of all those heroes and the people who lost their lives on 9/11 alive.”

And the people attending today’s event say they remember exactly where they were when they heard the news.

Walter Bedlien said, “I was working in the fields, I’m a farmer and my wife had come out and told me what had happened.”

While Steve Wright added, “I had my monitor on -- I’m a stockbroker, a financial planner -- and of course they were running pictures of the tower being hit. I mean my first thought at that point was that it was just an accident, I didn’t think of anything different.”

Friday's event, which was organized by the Center for American Values and the Pueblo Fire Department, has become an annual event and organizers say it will continue to happen for years to come.

“I don’t even think it’s a hope to continue this on. We plan and it’s our goal our mission to continue this on until we are gone and the generations behind us are carrying it on,” said Albright.

If you missed today’s ceremony you can still honor those who died by paying a visit to the permanent 9/11 memorial, which stands in front of the Center for American Values.