DAPHNE, Ala. — Sixty residents and service people gathered in the Council Chambers at City Hall Thursday to remember the victims of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“We look back to remember the lives we’ve lost,” Mayor Fred Small said. “I don’t think we’ll ever forget what happened to our country that day,” he said.

Locals reflected on Sept. 11, 2001, when 19 men affiliated with al-Qaida, an international terrorist organization headed by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four commercial jet airplanes. Two planes, United Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11, crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Another plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Va., and a fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Somerset County, Penn.

“(A total) 2,974 people were lost. We need to take time and remember all these people and their families,” Small said.

“(Today) is about remembering the men and women we lost,” Police Chief David Carpenter said. 

Jane Robbins, Small’s assistant, gave a remembrance speech and led the ringing of the four bells, each one honoring a hijacked airplane that crashed seven years ago.

“These four bells are in their remembrance,” she said.

“We remember personal and national losses (of) that day,” Fire Chief James White said.

“The four crash sites should always remind us of how precious life can be.”

“We had a great turnout, especially with the citizens,” Small said of the ceremony. “I would like to thank Brother Grant (Barber, who gave the opening prayer) and our honor guard.

Even if residents didn’t have loved ones affected personally by the terrorist attacks, Small indicated that everybody can relate to this national tragedy.

“I think that everyone can remember where they were that day.”