Listen to the 9/11 Tribute at Vernon County Fair on Sept. 11, 2024
It was standing room only during the 9/11 tribute at the Vernon County Fair’s Free Stage on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Amidst the laughter and chatter from the rest of the fairgrounds, quiet contemplation washed over the patrons that filled nearly every bench for the solemn memorial service dedicated to honoring 9/11.
“It’s not every year that we get to do this [at the fair],” said Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson. “It’s special.”
The 25-minute program opened up with a welcome from Vernon County Agricultural Society Director Angie Hornby and the singing of the National Anthem.
“Today we remember what tragically happened September 11, 2001,” said Hailey Nerison, the 2024 Fairest of the Fair. “We will never forget what happened.”
Next, Viroqua Fire Chief Chad Buros stepped onto the stage. He led the crowd in a moment of silence.
“23 years ago, I had only been on the department for three years at that point. Still learning the job. Still finding my place and understanding what it meant to be a firefighter. What was my purpose?” said Buros. “On September 11, I learned what my purpose was, as did many first responders.”
Buros listed the number of first responders and civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11; 8 EMTs/paramedics, 60 police officers, 343 firefighters, and 2,997 civilians. He added that there was also a K-9 who perished.
“That number of first responders that lost their lives that day is equivalent to the number of all of our first responders in Vernon County,” said Buros. “It’s like wiping all of them out within a couple of minutes.”
Buros went on to describe what a hero is, and urged anyone who is able to become a first responder.
“You were born with the ability to change someone’s life. Why not step up and join your local fire and EMS department?”
Up next was Natalie Solverson. Solverson was a junior at Cornell University in 2001, and also the Fairest of the Fair. She was supposed to take an airplane home to perform her royal duties on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I remember thinking that morning, ‘wow, what a beautiful day to fly’,” said Solverson.
Solverson was waiting for coffee in Ithaca, NY when she overheard about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Not many details were known at that point so she thought it was just an accident, a small plane or news helicopter.
“We got our coffee and returned to the office, just turning our thoughts to the rest of the day ahead,” said Solverson. “We now know that it was American Airlines Flight 11 that had slammed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. eastern.”
Solverson went on to describe the rest of the 9/11 attack timeline.
“It was evident that I would not be getting home for the fair that day, if at all,” said Solverson.
Solverson then shared a lighthearted moment that garnered a chuckle or two.
“I called the fair office, and this was odd because I didn’t hear ringing on the line after I dialed, but I heard some kind of background noise,” said Solverson. “I just chalked it up to some disruption in telephone service as a result of the attacks, so I said ‘hello?’ And the voice on the other end of the line said: ‘hello? This is Ken Deaver’”
Solverson’s impression of Deaver drew laughter from some in the crowd. Solverson informed Deaver that she would not be able to make it back home for the fair.
Classes weren’t canceled, so instead of going to the airport, Solverson went to an afternoon lecture.
Solverson shared that many of her classmates at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) had ties to people in New York City.
“And while no currently enrolled students were killed that day, 21 Cornell alumni perished; nine in the World Trade Center and two on Flight 93,” said Solverson.
Solverson continued working to find a way home. Her parents had offered to pick her up “but the 30 hour roundtrip seemed impractical,” said Solverson.
Solverson found out a sorority sister was driving to Muncie, Ind., so she offered to take Solverson to eastern Indiana.
“Before I knew it, my dad and our neighbor Jeff Parr planned to meet us on Thursday afternoon in the middle of an Indiana cornfield,” said Solverson.
When she made it back for the fair, is was Friday, Sept. 14. Solverson attended a memorial service for the National Day of Prayer.
“The fairgrounds were totally silent during that time, and that’s something I don’t remember happening before or since,” said Solverson.
“Every September delivers beautiful, what they call ‘severe clear’ days, like this one, that bring back vivid feelings for me of sadness and uncertainty,” said Solverson. “But I also think of the determination and the courage of ordinary people who stepped up on this day to help one another.”
After Solverson finished her story, former Westby and Cashton choir teacher Peter Engh stepped onto stage and sat down at the keyboard. He performed ‘There She Stands’ by Michael W. Smith, a song commissioned by George W. Bush after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
After the musical performance, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Honor Guard completed a formal and ceremonious American flag folding. Officers carefully and meticulously unfolded and refolded the flag. Once completed, TAPS was played, and the officers left the stage in decorum.
Nerison thanked the crowd for coming, concluding the 9/11 tribute.
