By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Community members, veterans, first responders and local officials gathered at Marshfield Fire and Rescue Thursday morning to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives.
The September 11 remembrance ceremony was hosted by the Marshfield Veterans Council and brought together representatives from local fire, law enforcement, military and veterans organizations.
“We have not forgotten,” Marshfield Veterans Council President Sue Sternberg told those gathered. “We are here as a community in remembrance” of the men, women and children who lost their lives in the attacks.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the singing of the National Anthem and an opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Marshfield Mayor Nick Poeschel welcomed those attending, reflecting on not only the tragedy of September 11, but also the unity that followed.
“We remember the tragedy of the lives that were lost and we remember the bravery of the first responders who answered the call that day,” Poeschel said. He encouraged the community to remember how Americans came together following the attacks and to work toward a more just and peaceful nation and world.
Poeschel then read a city proclamation officially recognizing September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in the City of Marshfield.
The proclamation recognized the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, while honoring firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, members of the armed forces, public servants, volunteers and citizens who responded that day and in the years that followed.
The proclamation also recognized Marshfield's own first responders, dispatchers, military members and veterans and called on residents to carry forward the values of “service, courage, compassion and community.”
Marshfield Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Brian Barnes spoke about the lasting impact September 11 has had on the fire service.
“For the fire service, 9-11 is more than just a date to us. It is our heritage,” Barnes said.
Barnes remembered the 343 firefighters who died after answering the call that morning and said today's firefighters have inherited the responsibility of carrying on their legacy through training, service and taking care of one another.
“The greatest way to honor all of them” is not through remembrance only on September 11, Barnes said, but by serving communities every day with the same duty, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by those who responded to the attacks.
Marshfield Police Chief Jody Geurink also reflected on how September 11 reshaped public safety agencies across the country, including those far from the sites of the attacks.
“Twenty-five years ago, our nation was changed in ways that still echo through every community, including our own here in Marshfield,” Geurink said.
He said September 11 changed how law enforcement agencies approach preparedness, communication and service and reinforced the commitment officers make to step forward during moments of crisis.
Geurink also spoke about the unity Americans demonstrated following the attacks.
“While we cannot change what happened, we can choose how we honor it,” he said, calling on those in public service to continue living by the values of integrity, courage and service.
During his remarks, Geurink also recognized Commissioner Pinker and his wife, Cindy, for donating a memorial honoring the law enforcement officers lost on September 11. The memorial is expected to be displayed in Marshfield's new police facility.
The ceremony also included reflections on the military response that followed September 11 and the lasting effects of the wars that followed. Attendees were asked to remember not only those killed during the attacks, but also responders, recovery workers, military personnel and families who have continued to live with the effects of September 11.
A joint honor guard made up of members of the fire department, military and Marshfield Police Department participated in the ceremony, which included a ceremonial salute.
The observance concluded with the singing of “God Bless America,” a closing prayer and a final reminder of why the community continues to gather each September 11.
“9-11 did not end when the smoke cleared,” Sternberg said, noting that survivors, responders, workers, families and service members continue to experience its effects.
She thanked those who attended, saying their presence sent a message that Marshfield will continue to remember the innocent victims who died on September 11, 2001.