Firefighters from southern Manitoba marched to the garden while a bagpipe played. Inside the park, steel beams rescued from the World Trade Center are displayed as a permanent memorial to the tragedy.

Jason Shaw, deputy fire chief in Winnipeg, said the love and compassion shown on Sept. 11 helped neighbours across both countries. 1st Lt. J. Nathan Haugen of the U.S. Air Force called the garden a place of enduring fellowship and said the beams are a testament to resilience.

Retired auditor Mae Streich said she has attended every 9/11 ceremony at the garden. She praised Canada for its important role in creating the memorial and said remembering the past helps both nations move forward together.