The event drew a crowd under 75, including a few people who weren't directly involved in the quiet ceremony.

One onlooker was Nu'uanu resident Corinne Arakawa, who was walking nearby after visiting her uncle in the hospital and happened upon the event.

Arakawa said she was moved by the simple tribute from Honolulu's first responders.

"It brought me back to when it occurred," Arakawa said. "I'm glad I stopped by. It was very touching."

City Managing Director Ben Lee spoke briefly to honor those who died and those they left behind. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families," Lee said. "Our city and our nation remain resolved against terrorism."

The Rev. Curtis Kekuna, senior pastor of neighboring Kawaiaha'o Church, offered a blessing. He honored those who died, and he praised the emergency workers who stood before him for the ceremony. "You put yourselves voluntarily in harm's way," Kekuna said.

Kailua resident Raymond Manuel went to the observance wearing a shirt that identified him as a member of the Guardian Angels, an organization of volunteers who help with community safety through neighborhood patrols, programs and self-defense classes.

Manuel said he showed up to "pay honor and respect" to those who died, to honor the New York Guardian Angels who helped in the attack's aftermath and to honor the troops abroad.