MARYSVILLE – First responders risked their lives to save thousands of others working in the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

Mayor Jon Nehring reminded a crowd of that at Marysville’s 9-11 remembrance at the Marysville library this morning.

He asked the dozens of people in attendance to remember how they felt that day.

“The horror, the helplessness,” he said, adding participants need to not think of the ceremony as habitual.

Nehring said while most people were trying to get out of the buildings, firefighters were climbing up to help people.

He said other heroes are still dying today from various diseases associated with the terrorist attacks. “Remember those who continue to suffer,” he said.

Nehring encouraged attendees not to forget the families and friends of those who died on 9-11. He said they still wonder what life would be like if that hadn’t happened and if their loved ones were still alive. “We will never forget,” he said.

A few dozen Marysville firefighters and police officers attended the ceremony. Nehring thanked them. “They keep us safe,” he said.

Nehring also honored former Marysville public education officer Lt. Jeff Thornton, who died of cancer on Sept. 11, 2001. “He responded to his last call that same day,” the mayor said.