Philadelphia honors 9/11 victims and local Ground Zero responders

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- City officials, firefighters and police officers gathered Thursday to honor those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as Philadelphians who traveled to Ground Zero to assist in the aftermath.

The ceremony began with a march at 9:59 a.m., the time the South Tower collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.

During a prayer, attendees reflected on the actions of those who responded to the attacks.

Twenty-five years later, city leaders said the victims of Sept. 11 remain in the public's memory.

"We can take comfort in knowing that the people we lost on September 11th have not been forgotten," Mayor Cherelle Parker said.

At the Betsy Ross House, elected officials, firefighters and police officers gathered to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks and the more than 9,000 people who have died from 9/11-related illnesses.

"It was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call," Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel highlighted the personal loss felt by families and communities.

"They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, friends, neighbors," Bethel said.

Later, at Fireman's Hall, the city paid tribute to 34 Philadelphians who responded to the attacks and traveled to Ground Zero to help.

Among those honored was former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy, who recalled the work performed in the search and rescue effort.

"Life safety was first. The search for survivors. We searched voids, climbed across debris fields. We worked around twisted steel and we listened," Murphy said.

The observance also included the playing of taps. Officials paused in remembrance, listening to the 24-note tribute honoring those who died.

A plaque recognizing the Philadelphia first responders who answered the call on Sept. 11 will be installed at City Hall.