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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – They can’t ride anymore, but they can still remember the September 11th terrorist attacks and those who lost their lives in them.

What was the Ride to Remember, starting from Springfield’s northeast side down to the State Capitol couldn’t happen, officials say, because of liability concerns.

So, a small group gathered simply at the police and fire memorials at the Capitol Complex Sunday to remember the fateful day instead.

“We had a front row seat to see the horror,” said Ross Horne, Ride to Remember organizer.  “We saw it live.  We saw first responders running into buildings, as people were jumping out of it.”

Horne says he wishes the U.S. of now felt the same togetherness and patriotism that everyone felt on September 12th.

“Today, I’m pissed at what has happened to that spirit,” said Horne.  “We have people running for office that said we deserved 9/11. We have two representatives in Washington who said their first loyalty is not to America, but to another country.”

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher also spoke at the ceremony.  She said much like on 9/11, police and firefighters are always of utmost importance for her.

“Springfield Police and Springfield Fire are always at the front of my mind, and they are how I run my city,” said Buscher.

“I pray to God that we all get the American September 12th spirit back.  Because, if not, as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘A house divided upon itself will not stand,'” said Horne.