Dozens of people in Lansing paused to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and The Pentagon.
Piercing the air of a crisp, clear Michigan morning is the sound of bagpipers and drummers approaching Remembrance plaza along Grand River, where a U-S flag is suspended high waving in the sunrise.
With firefighters, law enforcement and residents standing near rows of American flags, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and other speakers spoke of gratitude and unity.
"Just like the tribute in light at the site of the Twin Towers in New York City, I believe that we are called upon to be beacons of light and hope," said Mayor Bernero.
"It was Dr. Martin Luther King who in the face of massive struggles and difficulty, reminded us that quote 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that'."
A bell sounded for each time a plane hit the twin towers. After the ceremony, East Lansing Fire Chief Randall Talifarro told me it meant a lot to see plenty of civilians.
"Too often we see people in tragedy," said Chief Talifarro. "It's definitely nice to see people under different circumstances."
One of those in the crowd was Joy Gleason of Lansing. She was living in Oklahoma City on September 11, 2001. On this day, she shared images of the Lansing event with followers on Facebook.
"It's just a way to let people know that 'never forget' isn't just in New York City or Washington, D.C.," said Gleason. "That right here in Lansing, Michigan, we never forget."