A local 9/11 memorial took place Friday night, allowing people to pay their respects as first responders played hockey against local veterans at Reno Ice.
It provided a way to remember and honor those who were lost while also raising money for charities.
We spoke with participating first responders, who shared how meaningful it is to be a part of this.
Jason Aceves, hockey operations executive for Reno Veteran Hockey, said, "The military members, I'm not going to speak for everybody, but I know for me, and then a lot, a lot of time away from home after that. And, just honoring the first responders and the victims of that attack was really important to us. And we thought, like, this would provide us one outlet to do it.”
Players told us the day is about honoring those who lost their lives during the attacks, but also the ones who have continued to keep the country safe from that tragic day on.
Aceves told us, “We all deployed many, many times, spent years away from our families between September 11th, 2001 and now. And it was really hard on us. It changed the way law enforcement, fire, and EMTs do their jobs as well. They had to adapt to the new day. "
Others we spoke with told us how thankful they are to be able to be a part of events like this to continue giving back to those who have and are currently protecting the community.
James Leonesio, firefighter for the Reno Fire Department, said, “It’s just a great opportunity to get everyone together. We all play together against each other in beer league. And tonight it's just to raise money for two great local charities and just bring everyone together and unite.”
First responders tell us how hard it is thinking back on that day, but say it's something they'll never forget: the moment they heard the news of the tragedy that was unfolding.
Leonesio told us, “I remember turning on the TV, and I was glued to it for hours and hours. I just couldn't believe something like this could have happened here in the United States. And it was a good eye-opening experience. And ever since then, you know, it's heavy in our hearts."
Both first responders and veterans tell us to remember the lives lost as well as their families because they live with the pain every day.
