Mishawaka, Indiana (WNDU) – St. Joseph Health System held a 9/11 memorial service in Mishawaka this morning.

A minute’s silence was observed for each tower, for a total of two minutes.

“Today in memory of 9/11, all those who died, and St. Joseph Health Systems has brought a portion of the 9/11 Memorial here to cherish and remember those we loved and lost. Sergeant First Class Samuel Alameda, retired United States Marine Corps Core, said:

Standing on the monument is one of the Trade Center buildings, a chilling reminder of the devastation that took place that day 21 years ago.

“Many firefighters, police and military personnel rushed in to help people evacuate,” Alameda said. “Even members of the Reserve Center here drove to New York City after the tower fell to help, so people from all over the world rushed to try and save as many lives as possible.”

Alameda presented a wreath at the memorial ceremony.

His cousin Emilio “Pete” Ortiz, who worked on Tower 1, sadly lost his life during the attack.

“This is important in terms of how we came together as a nation and as a world,” said Alameda. “The whole world has come together as one, not just us, but everyone has been affected. So this gives us hope. As a nation, as a world, united for the better.” Our hope is that we can.”

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