Photos: Oak Creek 9/11 Ceremony

A monument dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was unveiled during a somber and moving ceremony at the .

Sen. Herb Kohl, County Executive Chris Abele, state Rep. Mark Honadel and Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender were among the speakers at the event, which began at 8:45 a.m., the time that the first plane struck the World Trade Center. 

A bell rung at that time and at several other junctures in recognition of key events - the second plane hitting the World Trade Center, the towers falling, and planes crashing into the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. A moment of silence followed each bell sound.

Speakers honed on several consistent themes - of resolve, courage, patriotism and never forgetting those lives lost. 

Kohl and Bolender unveiled the monument. As many audience members wiped away tears, taps was played just prior to the conclusion of the ceremony.