Roger DeWild walked into Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School Wednesday with a United States flag draped over his shoulders.

He came for the remembrance ceremony at the school because he wanted to honor of the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Today people remember all those that lost their lives," DeWild said.

About 2,000 people, mostly high school students, attended a ceremony in the auditorium to remember last year's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The program was a mix of music, words and silence.

The program began with a procession of Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard, firefighters, police officers, postal workers, medical personnel, Red Cross volunteers, Gold Cross EMTs and clergy.

Four high school students lit four candles while Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz explained the meaning of each. The candles represent HOPE: Honor, Old Glory, Peace and Extraordinary.

"Long before the terrorists struck, we loved our flag," Rietz said. "On Sept. 11, Old Glory was reborn."

The Austin High School orchestra performed "Remember" a song written within 72 hours of the attack by 2002 graduate Matt Larson.

Principal Joe Brown remembers hearing the piece the first time the orchestra played it -- the Friday after the attacks.

"He's a great musician," Brown said of Larson.

The Austin High School choir also performed "Tears in Heaven," an Eric Clapton song. Choir member Carolyn Pickar, a senior, said the song fit the tribute well.

The Rev. Bruce Falkson, of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, spoke about how a cross in the rubble of the World Trade Center inspired rescue workers and helped them continue to help.

"The terrorists haven't defeated us as a people," Falkson said. "It isn't the end … just a step in our walk."

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com