Remembering 9/11 Audio Rain dampens turnout for 9/11 ceremony (story audio) Photos A bagpipe corps from the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association Small crowd Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

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Rain dampens turnout for 9/11 ceremony
by Jeff Horwich, Minnesota Public Radio
September 12, 2003

Only about 500 people showed up in the downpour to remember the victims of September 11. (MPR Photo/Jeff Horwich)

A rainstorm didn't halt the state's largest September 11 memorial ceremony Thursday night in St. Paul. Gov. Pawlenty and other leaders told a small, but dedicated, crowd that the fight against terrorism must continue. They said Minnesotans can channel their emotions into community service here at home.

St. Paul, Minn. — Organizers hoped for about 6,000 people, but fewer than 500 braved the rain at St. Paul's Midway Stadium to remember the terrorist attacks of two years ago. They sat scattered through the stands under ponchos and umbrellas while the weather shifted from drizzle to downpour.

"This seems pretty trivial compared to what everybody went through September 11th; what people are still going through," said Shawn Brown of south Minneapolis. She attended with her husband and two young children. She wants them "to appreciate the freedom of American life, but also to understand why things have changed."

	A bagpipe corps from the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association

"We took our kids not long ago down to St. Louis to go through the (Gateway) Arch, and were practically strip-searched on the way in. Every time that happens it's a reminder that we're not as free as we were and they took that from us," she said.

A bagpipe corps from the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association opened the ceremony. Gov. Pawlenty began by recognizing the Minnesota relatives of Charles Burlingame, the pilot of American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon. And he shared the podium with Tom and Beverly Burnett of Northfield. Their son, Tom Jr., is believed to have helped thwart the plans of terrorists aboard United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

"Tom Burnett Jr. was a hero and he was filled with courage he displayed in blazing glory on September 11, 2001. I present to Tom Sr. and Beverly Burnett this plaque on behalf of all Minnesota. A great Minnesotan, a hero filled with courage, Tom Burnett Jr.," he said.

"My son's last words on Flight 93 were, 'we're going to do something,'" Beverly Burnett said. "I can picture him along with those other passengers, getting out of their seats, trying to break down that cockpit door and stop the terrorists from reaching their goal. They did something to change the course of history, and they gave us inspiration to do something, to make a difference in our lives each and every day."

The Burnetts have awarded seven scholarships through a foundation in their son's name, and soon plan to launch a nationwide community service program for middle school students. Pawlenty suggested those who are depressed by the events of 9/11 can "lift their spirits" by helping out fellow Minnesotans, including the families of U.S. servicemen overseas.

We should always remember that the war on terror was started by the acts of sucker-punching cowards, and the effort to stop what they do is not finished. - Gov. Tim Pawlenty

But the governor also echoed another big theme of the event, which was to strengthen resolve for the fight against terror.

"We should always remember that the war on terror was started by the acts of sucker-punching cowards, and the effort to stop what they do is not finished," Pawlenty said.

The ceremony was sponsored in part by the group Minnesotans Against Terrorism. The group's founder is Mark Rotenberg, general counsel for the University of Minnesota.

"Here in Minnesota we typically resolve our differences, even strong differences, through dialogue, through negotiation, through words. But there is a group of people sadly and tragically in the world, that does not play by these rules," Rotenberg said.

State Attorney General Mike Hatch asked the crowd to consider the complexities of the post-9/11 world. He said the responsibility of nation-building and managing a military presence overseas would cause continuing debates among lawmakers. They'll also continue to grapple with the balance between security and civil liberties.

"Terrorism may not go away in the next year, it may not ever go away. America will need the resolve, the patience, and the strength to do its best to protect its people in a changing world. And in so doing, it must never forget its mission of liberty and justice for all," Hatch said.

Hatch said as an economic and cultural leader, the U.S. must be prepared to face continued anger from other parts of the globe.

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