How To Honor 9/11 In Las Vegas

9/11 etched itself into our history, making an everlasting mark on the minds of Americans 22 years ago.

It was a day that caught many people by surprise, horror and created a sense of fear unlike any other.

Across Las Vegas, different organizations have given respect and honor to this day.

Fire Station 5 in Las Vegas held its yearly ceremony that honors the 9/11 victims. According to the Nevada Independent, the station toiled its bells 15 times as a tribute. This has been " a tradition it has carried out since 2004, when the station was dedicated and received a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that is still displayed in front of the building," The Nevada Independent reports.

The STRAT also hosted an amazing event where first responders could climb the entirety of The Strat's staircase. According to KTNV, 340 firefighters, police, EMT and military personnel were a part of this event and some climbed the full staircase in their entire gear.

"Each participant also wore a lanyard displaying a photo of one of the firefighters killed that day," KTNV reports.

If you would like to honor the victims of 9/11 then check out this guide from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which gives you a comprehensive overview on how to get involved, where to donate, how to volunteer, etc.

In Las Vegas, our community was directly affected by the vicious bombings and attacks. There were a few people who had ties to Las Vegas that became victims on this tragic day: Barbara Edwards, Karen Wagner, Darlene "Dee" and Wilson "Bud" Flagg. Barbara Edwards was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77. She was 58 years old and a teacher at Palo Verde High School. Edwards was the only full-time Las Vegas resident who died in the attacks. However, she was traveling with two friends and part-time Las Vegans Darlene “Dee” and Wilson “Bud” Flagg.

Another victim from 9/11 is Army Lt. Col. Karen Wagner. According to the U.S. Army’s website, she was serving as the medical personnel officer in the Office of the Army Surgeon General and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel in the Pentagon during that day. According to her memorial page, Wagner loved the “Food Network” and liked to de-stress by taking long runs. She was a great athlete and played guard for UNLV’s lady rebels.

Let's take this day to honor this tragedy. Join us as we pay tribute to the resilience and unity that define our nation. Let's take a moment for reflection and inspiration

In the wake of the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the music world came together to help raise funds for those affected with two concerts:  America: A Tribute To Heroes, which aired on Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS on September 21, 2001 and The Concert For New York City, which aired on VH1 on October 20, 2001 from Madison Square Garden.

These shows provided some of the most moving performances in rock history and helped lift a nation still grieving from such an incredible loss.  Here are five of our favorite performances.

The Piano Man's ode to the "City That Never Sleeps" became an unexpected rallying cry and a song for comfort in the wake of 9/11. His performance of the song during America: A Tribute to Heroes is a large reason for that. "New York State of Mind" has just hit differently ever since.

The story of "My City of Ruins" is a unique one. Springsteen originally penned the tune in tribute to Asbury Park, N.J. as part of a Christmas charity show. The Boss would perform the song during America: A Tribute to Heroes and eventually record a studio version for his 2002 album The Rising. It's another song that years later continues to evoke the aftermath of 9/11.

Young provided a very moving cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" during America: A Tribute to Heroes. Accompanied by a string section, it still causes goosebumps decades later. It's difficult to watch this performance without getting a lump in your throat.

"I Won't Back Down" had been an anthem for years, but performed in this capacity, it took on a far deeper meaning. A song already about strength and defiance hit even deeper, especially for the many brave first responders.

One of the most unexpected moments of The Concert For New York City was the set from The Who, which ended up stealing the show. Sadly, it would end up being one of the final high-profile shows from The Who before the untimely death of bassist John Entwistle in June 2002. Their performance of "Who Are You" was nothing short of electric, and the joy it brought to many first responders and their families in attendance is palpable.