Rep. Crawford attends 9/11 event with local firefighters
Ceremony honors first responders, victims
 
September 9, 2011
 

The Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday hosted a ceremony honoring first responders and Michigan natives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. State Rep. Hugh Crawford, R-Novi, attended the ceremony with three local firefighters as his guests of honor.

Jim Morris, of the Novi Fire Department; Dave Howie, of the Wixom Fire Department; and Fire Chief Ron McClain of the Lyon Township Fire Department were in the House chamber for the ceremony in Lansing.

"Setting aside time to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001 is vital for our nation to remember the loss of that day and honor those who gave their lives in protection of others," Crawford said. "Having three first responders with me in the House today was humbling, knowing that these men are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary, as their brothers and sisters in uniform did that day ten years ago."

Following the presentation of the colors by a Michigan State Police Honor Guard, World Trade Center survivor Patrick Anderson gave the keynote address. Representatives of districts that lost residents in the attacks read the names of those victims. The ceremony is expected to become an annual event in the Michigan House.

Following the ceremony, the three area firefighters got a special treat courtesy of Rep. Crawford - a climb and tour of the top of the Michigan State Capital rotunda.

Photo: State Rep. Hugh Crawford, R-Novi (right) attends the first annual 9/11 ceremony held by the Michigan House of Representatives with Jim Morris, of the Novi Fire Department; Dave Howie, of the Wixom Fire Department; and Fire Chief Ron McClain of the Lyon Township Fire Department. Click photo above for larger view.