Remembering 9/11 with a 5K run

The Madison Fire Department held a 5K run at Porter Park in Rexburg on Saturday to honor those who died on 9/11. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks that took the lives of 2,977 people.

A total of 343 American flags were also placed throughout Porter Park to represent firefighters who died that day. Also on display was a timeline of events leading up to the jetliners crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. And the jetliner that crashed into the Pentagon.

Also the United Airlines Flight 93, that crashed down in a field in rural Pennsylvania, never reaching its intended target because its crew and passengers fought back against the terrorists.

Madison Fire Department Chief Troyce Miskin said it’s important to remember that day in history.

“The community spirit that was brought fourth the patriotism and the togetherness that everyone felt. I can’t remember a time in my life that I felt so united in a community. And we want to remind people of what that felt like,” Miskin said.

His son Carter hadn’t been born yet when the 9/11 attacks happened but said he learned about the event in school and through his dad.

“I actually hadn’t been born yet. I was born a few years after but it still means a lot to me. It was a very important event in our history and if we don’t care then no one will remember and those scarifies that we made will be forgotten,” Carter said.

The Miskin family has visited Ground Zero to pay their respects.

“The impact and the reality of what happened there was surreal but it was also special to know there are people who are willing to make that sacrifice for others,” Miskin said.