BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, MI (WNEM) -
It was anything but a typical workday for employees at Nexteer Automotive in Saginaw. But for many, Sept. 11 will never be a typical day.
"It's something we have to remember. We can't just forget it," Ray Rosebrugh said. "It was a major tragedy that happened and we have to honor those people," agreed Schronda Hill.
The plant shut down for nearly 20 minutes Tuesday morning allowing employees to release balloons at about same the time a hijacked airplane flew into the first tower of the World Trade Center 11 years ago.
"To remember all the people who lost their lives," said Charles Jarvela. "I think it's really awesome they are giving us time to celebrate the freedom we have here," added Dave Hollis.
A helicopter fly over followed the balloon release. The pilot was one of their own.
"Eric Wolshleger, he's a plant six machine-repair guy. He is in the Army National Guard, he organized that, said Mike Kowalski.
Employees will also have a lasting reminder of the event. More than 800 workers bought T-shirts, marking the occasion, to make sure they will never forget.
Employees say they appreciate the opportunity to reflect and honor the victims and the heroes lost on this day.
"It's really great for the company to have us out here. They didn't have to do this. It's money that we could be in there making. It's a wonderful thing for them to have us out here," said Schronda Hill.
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