Wright City Police Chief Douglas Saulters' message to a crowd of approximately 50 people outside Wright City Church of the Nazarene on the anniversary of 9/11 was clear - never forget. "Every year we need to pay our respects to those people who lost their lives in the attacks, especially the first responders who gave their lives to assist and help others," he said. In church services and other ceremonies across Warren County, officials and religious leaders reminded citizens of the sacrifices that occurred on that fateful day and why we must never forget the costs of securing freedom. Saulters spoke about his job and said his attitude on being in a position of danger and not knowing what to expect on a daily basis was changed following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "We were watching the whole thing unfold and we saw the horrific event on television," he said. "It changed me because I saw the acts of heroism by ordinary people unselfishly giving of themselves to help their fellow man. There were innocent people and children's day cares nearby, so for these terrorists, it was an act of sheer cowardice." Warrenton also did its part to pay respect to lives lost. New York native and former Warrenton High School teacher John Barry delivered an emotional speech to approximately 100 citizens gathered at Warrenton Fire Protection District's Station 2. Barry depicted to the audience exactly where major landmarks in New York City are located. "Why was the World Trade Center the target?" he said. "It was because it was our identity. "Nobody could communicate when this happened," Barry added. Now, the Freedom Tower is set to be in place where the World Trade Center was. "I believe we will come back and the Freedom Tower will represent us to the world," Barry said, fighting back tears. "The main message is that the United States is a symbol of freedom and opportunity and that's still alive," he said. "That's what the terrorists tried to destroy." Warrenton Police Chief Greg Houdyshell also addressed the crowd. "Fighting terrorism is up to all of us," he said. "Terrorists can't commit their terrorist acts without breaking some rule. "And remember this," Houdyshell added. "The resolve of the American people is unbelievable." Barry said he wanted those in attendance to leave with one thing in mind. "America has a spirit that enables us to look forward and still remember the past," he said.