The CBP OFO & USBP Color Guard had the honor of presenting the colors on this day and an equally moving flag ceremony was held to kick off the first-ever 9-11 memorial ceremony in conjunction with the Eagle Pass Public Works Department, the Eagle Pass Police Department and the Eagle Pass Fire Department.

The EPFD with the cooperation of the Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation Department hoisted a giant American flag on Ladder 1, a poignant, symbolic and visually spectacular symbol commemorating the significance of this date in American history.

Supervisor Arnulfo Molina gave a well thought out and highly significant invocation:  "Almighty Father, We gather in prayer on this anniversary of 9-11.  We thank you for the many blessings you have given us.  Among them the gift of life.  May our hearts be in your heart.  Our mind in your mind.  Help us to speak life into this anniversary and this day.  We pray for those who lost their lives on 9-11.  We pray for the families who lost loved ones.  We pray for those who lost friends and colleagues.  We pray for those who lost companies , jobs and resources.  We pray for those who risked their lives and health and whose courage and sacrifice lifted us though this time.  We remember those honorable acts of courage from ordinary people who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction on that day.  

We shed our tears in a common bind of grief for those we loved and lost.  We journey through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place  of hope.  help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy. Inspire us to stand with courage, united as one nation in the midst of any adversity."  

Assistant Port Director Pete Macias welcomed all gathered with the following remarks: "It isn't often that an event makes an impact on the minds and hearts of America.  But today we remember September 11, 2001.  

A day that is looked upon with infamy and betrayal for many and sacrifice and honor for others.  We're gathered here today to pay homage to those who have sacrificed all in many ways for the land of the free and the home of the brave.  To see our flag look down upon us as we look up at it waving in the wind.  Remembering what gave birth to our national anthem.  A shiver runs down our back as we realize that the greatest country in the world is made up of all creeds, all religions, all races.  It's unity and its constant diligence telling the world that united we stand."

Eagle Pass Fire Chief Sonny Mello represented all first responders with the following: "We're all Americans, and for all time 9-11 will evoke a special meaning.  A memory of a moment in history when our world as we knew it changed forever.  Today we recall and we remember how ordinary people with ordinary lives reacted with extraordinary heroism on Flight 93.  

We recall the fire fighters and the police officers and how they reacted despite that the buildings were collapsing around them, they still continued to serve.  Americans will be meeting like this every september 11th to refresh our national memory of what we learned that day in 2001, that not only that we have enemies in this world who would destroy us if they could, but that the age old birthrights such as duty, loyalty and self-sacrifice still have meaning.  

Let us never forget all the brave and innocent people who made the ultimate sacrifice and let us honor the men and women who wear the uniform today because freedom, our way of life and our well-being we have because of them right now."

Eagle Pass Police Department Chief of Police also representing law enforcement entities who worked Gound Zero that day by saying:  "  I'll stand here this morning as chief and try not to weep, because the day these tragic events occurred, I did.  (Very emotional) It's very difficult to stand back and watch that an enemy came in to our turf and did what they did.  Many lives were lost that day.  An army came to us on our own soil without the beat of drums, without the playing of trumpets or bugles.  Without carrying guide-ons or flags.  It has forever changed our lives.  How we travel.  How we commute.  How we invite people into our own country.  

The whole ideology of military and law enforcement has change.  One thing I remember vividly that tragic day, is the vast number of people that were fleeing Ground Zero to avoid what had just occurred.  I also remember very vividly, the vast number of law enforcement and public safety personnel that ran toward Ground Zero.  Some of them never came back.  And for that we honor them.  There were a lot of people involved on that tragic day on Ground Zero who saved many lives.  They don't wear a badge and they don't carry a gun.  They're known as public works personnel.  They have always been a very important part of this organization that we represent.  They care about our people.  Any other country would have gone to its knees and that country would have never recovered, but we did.  On behalf of the Mayor, Ramsey English-Cantú, he sends his heartfelt thanks for all of you who take care of our great country."

Denise Galarza sang a rousing rendition of our National Anthem adding a touch of patriotism to an already poignant event.