VIENNA TWP., Ohio - Twenty-three years after the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the Vienna Township Fire Department held a ceremony at the fire department's 9/11 memorial site to highlight the importance of remembering those who lost their lives in that attack.

During the ceremony, Vienna Fire Chief Richard Brannon said the events of 9/11 serve as a reminder of the price we pay for freedom and the sacrifices some have to make for it.

"These airlines were hijacked and woke many Americans up to the fact that we too were victims of terrorism. For first responders everywhere, this tragedy exposed the enormity of the lengths they would go to in order to help the community," Chief Brannon said.

"This year and always, we remember those heroes and express our eternal gratitude to the brothers and sisters who helped to keep our country moving in some of its very darkest moments," Brannon continued.

This is Chief Brannon's last ceremony as fire chief following the announcement of his retirement earlier this week. Chief Brannon tells 21 News the memorial will always remain in his heart.

"This 9/11 memorial will always remain in my heart because I know I was part of it and we grew together with it," Brannon said.