BEAUMONT, Texas — September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our world forever. It's been 23 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
Beaumont city leaders and first responders gathered at the 9/11 memorial garden at Tyrrell Park to remember the victims and heroes who died that day.
Hearing the accounts of where local leaders and first responders were 23 years ago and how it changed their lives is a reminder of how that ominous day changed our country forever.
"I was at the DPS office up on Eastex in a refresher training class and we were watching it over and over trying to take it in, " said Beaumont Police Chief Tim Oknaschek.
Oknaschek is one of millions of Americans who can vividly recall where they were on September 11, 2001.
"I think many people alive at that time will remember exactly where they were forever," Oknaschek said.
"I was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on some business," said Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams.
Williams recalls watching the television in horror with his family, the moment the south tower of the World Trade Center was hit.
"We were on the 26th floor of a building in Philadelphia. Me and my wife were together and I said 'Get up. Let's get downstairs. There was great panic in downtown Philadelphia," Williams said.
From panic to quick-thinking in the midst of uncertainty, Beaumont Fire Chief Earl White recalls the selfless sacrifice of first responders who ran towards the chaos to save lives.
"I never felt more proud about how this country responded. This country is stronger because of it. I want to remind individuals in this nation that we're still having first responders that are dying because of the effects of 9/11. We want to make sure we never forget and always pay tribute," White said.
"You're aware of how fragile life is, but you were reminded of that, I think it made people hold their families closer," said Beaumont Mayor Roy West.
West and other leaders agree, the day that changed America made us stronger, and brought us closer.
"It was evident pretty quick that we weren't going to let evil overcome us," said West.