Staff photo by Deb Gau Memorial Park in Marshall will be the site of Wednesday’s Sept. 11 anniversary remembrance ceremony. The park features a piece of beam from the World Trade Center

MARSHALL — Every year on the anniversary of 9/11, the public is invited to a remembrance ceremony in Marshall’s Memorial Park.

It’s not only a time to pay respects to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, Marc Klaith said. For many young people, it’s also a chance to learn.

“I think it’s more about telling people the history of what happened,” said Klaith, a former Marshall Fire Chief and the keynote speaker at this year’s 9/11 remembrance. He said it was also important to reflect on the people, like U.S. military service members and emergency responders, who helped keep the country safe in the wake of the attacks.

A program remembering 9/11 will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Memorial Park. In addition to Klaith’s talk, the program will include remarks by Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes, an invocation by Rev. Dan Herold, music by Ellie Sprik, and placement of a memorial wreath by Marshall Public Safety Director Jim Marshall and Fire Chief Quentin Brunsvold.

Being asked to reflect on the impact of 9/11 was “humbling,” Klaith said.

“For us to reflect on that day, it’s kind of special,” Klaith said of the memorial.

The changes brought by the terror attacks should never be forgotten. It was one reason it was good to see students from local schools at the annual memorial programs.

“There are a lot of young people who don’t know what happened,” he said. “It changed our country. It changed how we look at things, how we do things.” Klaith hoped to be able to share some of that knowledge with young people.

At the same time, Klaith said, “I think we’ve got to look at the positive things.” He wanted to encourage people to share gratitude for all those who help serve their country and communities, including emergency responders and military service members. “It’s OK to say thank you,” he said.

Memorial Park, which includes a 9/11 memorial and a piece of beam from the World Trade Center, was a good place for people to come and reflect, Klaith said. Klaith was part of the community effort to build a 9/11 memorial in Marshall.

“We wanted people to be able to go up there and touch that beam,” he said. Over the years, visitors have been drawn to Memorial Park. “There always seems to be people in there,” he said.

Klaith said he wanted to thank area residents for their support of the community, and for their attendance at remembrance ceremonies over the years. “We have a good community here.”