Two royal blue light beams shot up into the sky in front of the state Capitol on Friday night and will remain there until sunrise Monday morning to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

The beams represent the Twin Towers and were a part of a ceremony hosted by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and the Professional Firefighters of Arizona. 

The event was socially distanced with a limited number attending in person. Thousands watched the livestream and the Facebook video had more than 10,000 views by 9:30 p.m.

“As we remember how 9/11 showed us the worst of mankind, we also remember how it brought out the very best in mankind,” Gov. Doug Ducey said, referring to the first responders who risked their lives to save others that day.

After a moment of silence, bagpipers played the song “Amazing Grace” as the beams were illuminated into the sky.

“Tonight, we pray for the families of every person who perished on September 11, 2001. And we also pray for continued protection over everyone who puts themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe,” said Ducey.

The event at the Capitol was just one of the memorials held Friday.

In Phoenix, Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilmember Michael Nowakowski and Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade also spoke at the city of Phoenix’s 19th annual remembrance of 9/11 earlier in the day.

Get in touch with Chloe Jones at [email protected] and find her on Twitter at @chloeleejones.

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