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Priest brings Battle Lake Fire Department on 9/11 anniversary trip
The annual visit includes six Battle Lake firefighters and a meeting with FDNY members, continuing a tradition that began after Ethen narrowly missed the attacks.
- On this 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, The Rev. Jeff Ethen and Peter Kirchner returned to Ground Zero in New York City with six members of the Battle Lake Fire Department to visit the FDNY.
- A cup of coffee spared Ethen from the North Tower attack on Sept. 11, 2001; he and Kirchner subsequently served as clergy in Manhattan, working alongside New York Archbishop Edward Egan to assist grieving families and firefighters.
- Reflecting on the tragedy, Ethen said, "I not only think about 9/11 each year, but the event shaped my ministry." He emphasized engaging others with "compassion and dignity" to foster national unity.
- Tasked with meeting families at city hospitals, the pair helped those searching for loved ones. "We gave them permission to stop looking for their loved ones," Ethen said, describing that difficult responsibility.
- Returning to Ground Zero every five years remains a core tradition for Ethen and Kirchner. This year, the pair facilitated a meeting between Battle Lake Firefighters and the FDNY to share the legacy of that day.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right5Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
C 62%
R 38%
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