They gathered to pay their respects and to honor innocent lives that were lost one year ago today.

The dew was still on the lawn by the Veterans Memorial near the Mower County Courthouse, when approximately 100 people met Tuesday morning during a 15-minute ceremony.

Those in attendance came from all walks of life: ministers, policemen, construction workers and retirees. But all were there to reflect and remember those who died in the worst act of terrorism on American soil.

The ceremony was led by Jim Peck, the minister of the First Congregational Church in Austin. There were moments of silence given for those who died in the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., and for those in the plane that went down in the Pennsylvania countryside.

Peck also asked those to observe moments of silence to pray for world leaders and the families of those who died in the attacks.

Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz read a proclamation, that the city of Austin is today honoring and remembering those who died in the terrorism attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Austin High School senior Ray Bissen then played the Star Spangled Banner on his trumpet.

In his closing remarks, Peck told the audience that "our time together has ended. Go in peace; work in peace."

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com