The state Capitol became the stage for Wisconsin's official Sept. 11 memorial, \Moving Forward in Remembrance,"" playing host Wednesday afternoon to more than 300 government officials, service men and women and public who gathered to memorialize the tragic events of a year ago.
""As we look back on a year that has changed us all, the debris has been cleared from the site of the World Trade Center,"" Gov. Scott McCallum said. ""Yet, there are scars. As a country we are sadder; we are stronger.""
The presentation, broadcast live across the state on radio and television, included a memorial wreath laying, music from the 132nd Army Band and remarks from McCallum and Major General Al Wilkening of the Wisconsin National guard.
Wilkening told the crowd of the actions of the first responders.
""We were inspired by the heroic actions,"" he said, adding that more than 1,100 National Guard members from the state of Wisconsin had been called up to active duty, becoming heroes themselves. ""We will [continue] ... until this war is over and everyone is secure.""
The event ended with a flyover of the Capitol by the 115th Fighter Wing following McCallum's speech.
""We remember those we lost with a heavy heart,"" McCallum said. ""But, we move forward with a strong and unsinkable spirit.""
Following the broadcast, a local ceremony commemorated the actions of residents of Dane County.
Before a wreath presentation and tree planting at the steps of the Capitol, both Madison Fire Department Chief Debra Amesqua and Dane County Sheriff Gary Hamblin spoke of the effects of the event and respect for first responders.
""This is a moment in time when no language, no words can give voice to what we feel,"" Amesqua said. ""It has taught us that what we do in living our lives is what matters the most when the day is done.""
Hamblin echoed Amesqua's sentiments when he said everyday there is a hero in Dane County.
""Each day brave men and women in our communities put themselves in harms way just as the first responders on September 11th,"" he said.
Darcee Vanderloo, marketing specialist for the Dane County United Way, which helped to organize the event, said she was happy with the way the event turned out.
""In addition to firefighters, police officers, EMTs and the military, who were touched by what happened it was important that the public was recognized for what they did,"" she said.
