SAGINAW -- Saturday is a sacred time for Americans.
People in Mid-Michigan are remembering the attacks on this country nine years ago.
A service was held in Saginaw Saturday to honor the soldiers who protect our country,
NBC25 found out how the events of 9/11 have changed their lives.
Veterans stood proudly out front the Saginaw Masonic Center this 9/11, remembering that tragic day nine years ago that took the lives of so many.
"First you feel sadness about all the people dying, and then you feel good about the fact Americans got united, came together as a country," said Robert Zelle, a friend of the flag.
The ceremony began with a flag raising. Red, white, and blue, flying against the sky.
"It's the greatest symbol in the world," said Zelle.
It reminded this young soldier why 9/11 gave him the ambition to protect our country.
"It’s made me aware of all the dangers out there and how I joined to actually feel like I am helping my country, and to give back to the country that has given so much to me," said Marine Bruce Selleck.
Names of soldiers were announced who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
"We are fighting a war that is very difficult, we are fighting terrorists," said Coast Guard Veteran George Livingston.
And then there are the young marines who are already preparing to fight for our country.
"To make it better and to make everyone be nice to everyone," said Young Marine Quinton Shipley.
Veterans say they want these children to hear the pledge of allegiance in classrooms once again, and to be part of a major memorial project.
Veterans in Saginaw want to build a memorial wall with a huge flag on it, a flag that's 215 feet tall, they want school children across the nation to paint on these plastic blocks, and to contribute to that memorial wall.
They say that wall will remind Americans that soldiers will protect our country so that 9/11 never happens again.
The memorial flag wall may be erected near the Military & Space Museum in Frankenmuth.
