Utahns Participate In Memorial Services

A year ago, today, a heinous act, came out of nowhere, and rocked our sense of security like nothing had since December 7th, 1941.

Today the world, the nation and Utah -remember, September 11, 2001.

Many Utahns, today took time to participate in memorial services, or to go to their houses of worship.

Religion Specialist Carole Mikita joins us from the Islamic -mosque in West Valley City with a look at some of these remembrance gatherings.

Whether in a non- denominational service or one of a specific faith... people prayed and sang hymns and observed moments of silence... and they listened to the bells...

The sounds of solidarity... church bells rang here and throughout the country this morning ... marking the exact moment the second tower fell in New York City one year ago...

Inside, the cathedral... one of several masses today... parishioners called upon to pray for peace and justice in the world.

The Salt Lake Council of Churches held this non- denominational morning service...

In 1878, three sisters, members of St. Paul's in New York City gave the money for this church... also named St. Paul's...

Pastor Caryl Marsh told worshippers there is hope.

Rev. Caryl Marsh/Pastor St. Paul's Episcopal Church/"AFTERALL THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH WAS AN UGLY TRAGEDY OUT OF WHICH ABUNDANT LIFE AND CONTINUING LIFE CAME..."

Choristers from the Madeleine Choir School performed in a Salt Lake County memorial observance... where leaders of several faiths... prayed, spoke of learning from the past and of renewing faith...

One even wondered if perhaps American foreign policy toward Muslims created a deep sense of injustice... then extremists took that injustice and fueled it with religion.

Nadeem Ahmed/Chairman, Islamic Soc. of SLC/"THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THESE ACTIONS ARE RIGHT... BUT IT ALSO DOES NOT MEAN THAT INJUSTICE DOES NOT EXIST..."

And at noon... a remembrance service where thousands gathered...

Pres. James E. Faust/First Presidency/LDS Church/"OUT OF THIS DISASTER HAVE COME HUNDREDS OF STORIES OF COURAGEOUS ACTS OF UNSELFISHNESS AND HEROISM..."

And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed several hymns .... closing the service with the country's favorite... "America the Beautiful"

State Capitol Flag

Utah's State Capitol is setting a ceremonial standard for the state on this Day of Rememberance.

Government Specialist Richard Piatt has the story

The Capitol's flag is at half staff, and will stay that way until tonight.

You could say the Capitol Hill is setting a solemn standard on this day.

Utah's Capitol is a popular tourist attraction year round.

But on this day, visitors are catching a snapshot of a state in a solemn mood.

Chimes play patriotic music.

Flags wave at half-staff.

Shutters click on a unique day for the state and the nation.

This couple from New York state planned their trip so they'd be away from home.

Earl Domineisy/Visitor from New York State: IT'S VERY IMPRESSIVE TO BE HERE. WE'RE FROM THE BUFFALO, NEW YORK AREA AND IT'S MUCH MORE VISIBLE THERE. WE JUST WANTED TO HAVE MUCH MORE DISTANCE AND STILL HAVE A GREAT FEELING OF THE DAY AND THE MEMORY THAT IT IS

And on this day...even without a formal ceremony at the Capitol, that feeling is conveyed for people with cameras from around the world.

Tonight, the Capitol's flag will be raised back to full staff in a special ceremony at 10pm.