Hundreds paused in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11
NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 11, 2021 – This morning, The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) conducted a commemoration ceremony for the 20th anniversary of September 11th. With units of the Louisiana National Guard, and National Guard units from throughout the country, utilizing the facility as their base of operations for Hurricane Ida recovery, Convention Center employees joined them to commemorate this tragic day 20 years ago.
“With everything going on in our community right now following Hurricane Ida, we wanted to make sure that we paused to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, the lives lost, and the people affected by this devastating attack on our country,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “We were honored to reflect alongside members of the National Guard who have been so pivotal in our recovery from the storm.”
The ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder for locals to pause and reflect on the tragedy of 9/11, despite the current devastation across Louisiana caused by Hurricane Ida. A reflection was read on the Convention Center’s loudspeaker while hundreds bowed their heads and paused in silence. Outside of the building, the American flag was lowered to half-staff in solitude for the lives lost.
“Today is a historically difficult day for our country, one that the passing of time has not assuaged. It is imperative to remember the steadfast valor and courage of our country in the face of a national disaster,” said Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, Adjutant General of Louisiana. “In the aftermath of 9/11, national heroes emerged, and this country came together to rebuild. Hope was never lost. I see the same bravery in the faces of Louisiana residents working together to rebuild their communities.”
Video of today’s ceremony can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ogXiriF3Jk
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space, in an entirely contiguous hall, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center provides the largest single exhibit space in the country, features an award-winning staff, first class amenities and is the sixth largest convention center in the nation. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, the Convention Center’s event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.
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