LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- First responders across Kentucky and Indiana paid tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11 on Wednesday, including a ceremony at the Louisville Fire Department's headquarters. 

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg joined firefighters and other first responders at the Louisville Fire Department's headquarters at the corner of 12th Street and West Jefferson Street for a brief ceremony honoring the thousands of lives lost on 9/11. 

Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenburg attended the ceremony. 

Although 23 years have passed since the terror attack, both men said it's important to remember the victims and their families, as the effects are still being felt here at home.

The ceremony opened with a radio call followed by a moment of silence, bagpipe music, and a wreath laying ceremony.

Sept. 11, 2001, remains the deadliest day in fire rescue history, claiming the lives of nearly 300 firefighters.

Mayor Greenberg proudly spoke about his grandfather who served as a New York firefighter in Brooklyn and retired before 9/11. He proudly displayed his grandfather's helmet that he keeps as a memento and symbol of heroism and sacrifice.

Gov. Beshear expressed gratitude for the work from first responders who ran towards danger to save lives, including a friend who was working in one of the towers of the World Trade Center and died in the attack. 

The governor ordered flags fly at half staff, adding it’s important to never forget the significance of the day and educate the younger generation who weren't yet around for the terror and the aftermath. 

"We also gather to help the next generation remember so it doesn’t have to be repeated -- both the loss and heroism -- hopefully our children never have to suffer."

Tributes and memorials were held throughout Kentucky and Indiana, including one at Butler High School where students placed hundreds of flags to mark the day and sacrifice. The display will be in place until Monday.

Louisville is also home to a piece of 9/11 history, thanks to Mercer Transportation, which donated time and trucks to build the 9/11 memorial after the attacks. The company was gifted a piece of steel from Ground Zero as a token of thanks.

It’s now a permanent display on Mercer Transportation’s campus at 1128 W. Main Street in downtown Louisville. 

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