Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Despite the passage of more than two decades, veterans and first responders in the Coastal Bend remember the day as if it were yesterday.
On Saturday, a group of veterans and firefighters gathered at the Aransas Pass Moose Lodge to honor the 2,977 lives lost. Among them was Samuel F. Ramirez, who served 11 years in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ramirez was at work in 2001 when a coworker told him to turn on the TV.
“You never expect that to happen in your lifetime,” Ramirez told KRIS 6.
Although no longer on active duty, Ramirez’s reaction to United Airlines Flight 175 hitting the South Tower was immediate.
“My first thought is, I’m waiting on my call. I’m ready to go back in, wherever they want to send me,” HE SAID.
Also in attendance were members of the Aransas Pass Fire Department, including Assistant Fire Chief Jason Padron and Engineer Operator Donald Obenhaus. Padron was in high school during the attacks, while Obenhaus had just arrived at work in Aransas Pass.