'Healing Field' in Tempe honors those lost on 9/11

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - "I always get goosebumps... I have them right now," Marshall Stone said.

It's a Valley tradition that's grown over time -- 16 years after the 9/11 terror acts, the Healing Field at Tempe Town Lake is a place to remember, reflect, and pay tribute.

"I could remember it like it was yesterday... New York City's under attack, America's under attack," Bobby McNeily said.

Many say just being in the presence of nearly 3,000 flags, bearing the names of the victims and first responders of 9/11 is truly moving.

It's a beautiful way to never forget and always remember.

"I keep hearing that phrase 'they ran toward it,' and that just takes a lot of guts, and so we just always want to remember that, always," Stone said.

City officials started the morning by reading the names of the first responders and a small ceremony followed.

Visitors say a display like this, more than anything, is unifying.