The rain poured down Sept. 11, just after 9 a.m. — far, far different skies than this same morning 14 years ago, when shock and horror reverberated around the world. But on the Midcoast, no one was forgetting, and in Rockland, a small gathering of firefighters, veteran, police and paramedics commemorated the day with simple eloquence.

In remembering, “we made a promise that we would never forget,” said Rockland firefighter and EMT Chris Whytock. He cited the 3,000 lost that day, Sept. 11, 2001, including 343 firefighters. 

Then, he added statistics accrued in the aftermath of 9/11, and still building.

“As of last month, 109 [first responders] also perished to cancer-related deaths,” he said.

They have died from cancer, some very rare kinds of cancer, he said. And, he noted that to date, at least 30,000 soldiers and first responders have died in conflicts — the continued fallout from 9/11.

Firefighter and EMT Carl Anderson delivered a tribute to those who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Webster’s Dictionary defines a hero as a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities, a person who is greatly admired.

“When thinking about 9/11 and about the brave men and women and their actions that day there are many titles that seem fitting for them. But I feel that “hero” could be the best. Great or brave acts, fine qualities and greatly admired does not begin to define the people who made a difference that day.

“Those heros woke up in the morning not knowing what events would transpire in a few hours. They had no idea their legacy would be forever remembered in the minds, hearts, textbooks and memorials around the country.

“They had no idea that every year their names would be read aloud during ceremonies like this, and others, in a state of remembrance for what happened that day. For all Americans, for all time, the phrase 9/11 will evoke a special meaning. A memory of a moment in our history when the world as we knew it changed forever.

“It is fitting, then, that every year on Sept. 11, Americans join together to honor the memory of more than 3,000 people who died on that day.

“But these solemn ceremonies on Sept. 11 will always be more than just a remembrance of the past, more than just a tribute to both the living and the dead.

“On that day, we saw ordinary people, firefighters, security guards, policemen, choose self-sacrifice for the good of strangers. Ordinary human beings, living ordinary lives, reacted with extraordinary heroism when without warning they were thrown face-to-face with the most fundamental questions of human existence.

“These men and women were given a choice, to run for safety, to seek refuge, to protect their own selves so that they could go home at the end of the day, or to move deeper, knowing the danger, deeper into the unknown of most certain peril, where people were screaming for help, to be saved by these extraordinary people. We all know what choice they made.

“It is a conscious thought for every firefighter, police officer, and all public safety and their family, when they leave the safety of their homes to go to work not knowing what the day will bring, never thinking that their name might be on these walls, talked about at ceremonies and remembered and revered as a true hero.

“The firefighters, police, and all the other safety personnel that day did what they did every day and that’s go to work to protect the citizens of that city not knowing what would transpire.

“So today, as we think back on the events of 9.11, 14 years ago, our sorrow over the loss of so many good people should be tempered by the example shown by so many who died and so many who lived.

“They taught us through their actions that day what it means to be a human being.

“They showed us the value of duty, loyalty, self-sacrifice and love.

“The only way we will triumph over terrorism and conquer the tragedy of that horrible day is by celebrating the kindness of the human spirit.

“Today, as we remember those lost, I ask you to join me in faith that the good will not only endure, but that it will prevail.”

Rockland City Council Louise MacLellan-Ruf thanked the first responders who had gathered in Rockland, and she said:

“What 9/11 drove home is the unpredictability of our lives and our deaths. The unpredictability of human nature, both good and evil. The unpredictability of where we will be at the end of the day. The unpredictable 911, ‘what is your emergency call.’

“It does not matter what that 911 call is. Our first responders, you, respond in a very predictable way.

Here, today, are our first responders. You are the first to run toward situations that most would run from. You are the first to run into the flames. First to run into a crumbling building to save a life. First to jump into ice-cold water to save a person or a dog. You are Rockland’s first responders. You remind us every day why 9/11 should never be forgotten. your families always remembered.

“We thank God that you are predictable. You are here. Ready. Waiting. For the unpredictable to occur. Your bravery and courage gives all of us hope. You offer the beacon of light that verifies there is good and kindness in the world.

”Thank you to your families and friends for sharing with us predictable and reliable you.”