Wisconsin 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum; volunteerism stressed in 2023
KEWASKUM, Wis. - Kewaskum held its annual 9/11 remembrance event on Monday -- recognizing the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Kewaskum is the home to the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial. The small community has a personal connection.
Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial in Kewaskum
"It’s the anniversary of my daughter's death," said Gordon Haberman, whose daughter was killed in the 9/11 attack.
Andrea Haberman was killed on the 92nd floor of the north tower of World Trade Center. Her father said time has not made her passing any easier.
Andrea Haberman
The memorial in Kewaskum includes a 2,200 pound steel beam from the north tower.
"Every day is 9/11 for us in some fashion. I can’t escape it; my family can’t escape it," Haberman said.
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Their pain has turned into a mission. On the day marking 22 years since the attack, the focus is the spirit of generosity.
Martin Nystrom
"Just ordinary people trying to do the right thing," said keynote speaker Martin Nystrom, who was part of the Ground Zero search. "Thousands, and I am sorry I am going to get emotional, there were literally thousands of you cheering us on, as we were coming in and going out imagine that just people from all walks, and they were throwing water bottles at us chocolate bars packs of cigarettes shoes socks packs of underwear…we couldn’t believe it either."
Speakers touched on the current EMS shortage in Wisconsin and its strain on volunteer departments.
"Help prevent burn out and loss of personnel," said Catherine Pampel, a volunteer EMT and veteran gunner's mate with the U.S. Navy.
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They encouraged people to follow the example that rose from the ashes of the twin towers.
"Our nation saw an incredible outpouring of volunteerism and charity," Nystrom said. "Volunteerism is vital to keeping our community safe now here in 2023."