Remembering the Past – Moving Towards the Future

Airports, cities and countries around the globe arranged and participated in formal ceremonies to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 victims who perished that day who were from more than 90 countries. The day was a time to remember, come together and vow never to forget.

Security procedures at airports around the world have improved following the attacks, with increased standards, better screening tools and in general a more vigilant attitude towards potential future threats. Passengers have also changed their travel habits following 9/11 and have assumed more responsibility for their personal safety.

On and around the 10th anniversary of this horrific event for our country, I was impressed by all the remembrance ceremonies that regional, national and international airports arranged and wanted to share some of these special activities with you.

MacArthur Airport, Long Island

At Long Island MacArthur Airport, a “solemn ceremony of reflection” was held at the passenger security checkpoint, which was temporarily closed and draped with a large American flag. It included noted bass baritone Ron Meixsell performing the National Anthem and performances by Sayville High School cellist Kyle Tieman-Strauss — an All-State musician — and the Suffolk County Police Pipe & Drums Corps.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia, Canada A sombre memorial was organized on the observation deck at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which received the greatest number of aircraft in Canada, to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S.

Letters from some of the more than 7,000 stranded passengers were displayed on a projector, thanking airport staff for their hard work during such a difficult and tragic time.

"We were also the first major airport to have all diverted flights back in the air, starting 48 hours later, with the final diverted aircraft leaving Saturday morning, Sept. 15, four days after arrival," said Tom Ruth, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority.

Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts

Massport and the Logan Airport community recognized the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony at the Logan Airport 9/11 Memorial, attended by the wife of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, Mrs. Victoria Reggie Kennedy as a guest speaker.

There were special tributes and recognition for three selfless individuals who demonstrated ultimate acts of kindness: Cardinal Bernard Law, Senator John Kerry, and the late Senator Edward Kennedy. The Logan Airport community paid tribute on the 10th anniversary for their unwavering dedication to humankind in a time of great need.

Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia International Airport held a special program in the Terminal A-West International Arrivals Hall as a somber tribute. Airport CEO Mark Gale, representatives from the airlines, Transportation Security Administration, and the Liberty USO participated in the ceremony and at 10:30 there was a special flag ceremony and a moment of silence in remembrance of all the victims.

Guam International Airport, Guam

People gathered at the Guam International Airport for the commemorative ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Officials with the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Guam Army National Guard and the Fallen Heroes of the Pacific Foundation participated in the east ticket lobby ceremony where Guam National Guard Adjutant General Benny addressed the group.

The ceremony was held at exactly at 8:46am to coincide with the precise moment in time that the first aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center North Tower in New York.

Tampa International Airport, Florida

Tampa International Airport paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 and commemorated the 10th anniversary of that day with a ceremony at the Tampa airport where they listened to a bagpipe and bugler, and heard the sound of sirens at 1:00 pm.