RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with its annual Commonwealth's Patriot Day Ceremony and Concert at the Virginia War Memorial. Patriot Day offered a chance for the public to remember the lives lost and honor the sacrifices of that day. “It’s been 25 years and I still don’t have a dry eye on 9/11, I wake up in tears," said Hilliary Turner, a Mechanicsville resident who attended the ceremony. She recalled being a high school senior in her AP Government class when the attacks began. Prior to the ceremony, retired Army combat veteran and lifelong singer Jim O'Ferrell sang, calling the opportunity an honor and a privilege. “I’m excited to be able to present the four original songs that [are] inspired by my service in Iraq to an audience out there that’s here for the same reason that I am. And it's to honor those who came through 9/11," O'Ferrell said. Multiple speakers took the stage, including Virginia War Memorial Director Clay Mountcastle, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Timothy Williams, retired firefighter Rick Pyle and Freedom Flag Foundation President John Riley. Each took a few minutes to share their own 9/11 stories and remind the crowd to never forget. "We remember the lives lost. We honor the courage shown. We recognize the families. And we recommit ourselves to the values that terrorism could never destroy," Secretary Williams said. A remembrance wreath and a Freedom Flag wreath were placed by the Shrine of Memory, as a memorial bell rang three times, signaling a moment of silence to conclude the ceremony. Attendees were encouraged to write or record their own 9/11 stories and walk Patriot's Way to see first responder vehicles and equipment. ...read more read less