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Firefighters honor the fallen on 9-11

The Willmar Fire Department's annually honors the 343 firefighters who died instantly, along with 60 police officers and 8 paramedics, when the World Trade Center towers toppled on Sept. 11, 2001.

She no longer celebrates her birthday — Maria Diaz of Willmar views the Willmar Fire Department's tribute to the 384 firefighters who died instantly on 9-11 when the World Trade Center towers collapsed at the hand of terrorists in 2001. "It's my birthday today but it's never been happy since that day," she said. "I celebrate my birthday now by remembering those who survived and those that did not."

By Rand Middleton

September 11, 2015 at 12:49 PM

The Willmar Fire Department's annually honors the 343 firefighters who died instantly, along with 60 police officers and 8 paramedics, when the World Trade Center towers toppled on Sept. 11, 2001.

1/2: The Willmar Fire Department's honors their heroic brethren. On 9-11-2001, 384 firefighters died while trying to save lives when the Towers collapsed after being struck by two hijacked airliners.

2/2: The Willmar Fire Department's annual tribute pays respect to the 343 firefighters who died instantly, along with 60 police officers and 8 paramedics, when the World Trade Center towers toppled on Sept. 11, 2001.