9/11: Arlington Remembers

About 200 people gathered in Arlington's Courthouse Plaza on Wednesday morning to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and honor the first responders from that day.

• 9/11: 'There Isn't a Day That I Don't Think About That Experience'

A brief ceremony included remarks from Arlington County Fire Capt. David Santini, and the county's Combined Color Guard, which is made up of members of the Police Department, Fire Department and Sheriff's Office, presented the colors. A moment of silence was held at 9:37 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. Taps played as the colors were retired.

"This is one of these days that almost everybody in this country has total recall on," Arlington County Police Chief Doug Scott told Patch. "It's just a great thing to stop and reflect on not just the victims, but how this changed us as a nation."

He added: "I'm glad we continue to do something to remember, because it's important."

Scott was working in the Office of the Inspector General in the district at the time. He had been in local law enforcement in Fairfax County for 23 years, the last few as chief of police. But as a federal employee, he said he felt underutilized.

"It helped give me the motivation to get me back into local law enforcement," Scott said. "I remember driving by the Pentagon while it was still on fire and thinking, 'This is where I need to be.' "

Arlington County Sheriff Beth Arthur remembers seeing the plume of smoke from the Pentagon from her office on 9/11. When the plane hit, she ordered the jail to be locked down, and court was soon canceled.

The Sheriff's Office was responsible for running a security checkpoint to gain access to the Pentagon — everyone, including contractors bringing lights and fences, had to be verified. The jail cranked out about 3,000 meals — some hot, some cold — for emergency responders and volunteers until the American Red Cross and Salvation Army could get set up, she said.

"The day after the event, when the adrenaline is not quite as high, and there were American flags everywhere, it just made you feel so good," Arthur told Patch. She compared that to today, where disagreements over social issues divides people and are used to "churn hate."

Arlington County Fire Capt. Gregg Karl, a rookie at the time he was called to the Pentagon on 9/11, said Wednesday's event had "a great turnout."

"It doesn't fade," Karl said of that day. "Everyone always says, 'We'll never forget, we'll never forget.' I always tell people, 'Don't ever forget, but honor the people who were lost that day by being prepared.' "