MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Mutual Group employees joined CMG President/CEO Mike Kitchen on Sept. 11 in a solemn observance marking the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Employees at remote locations were linked to the ceremony through teleconference and audioconference capabilities. "I will remember September 11 for the rest of my life. The images of that day – the planes, the burning and collapsing buildings, the sorrow of so many people – those are the memories that can't be wiped away," Kitchen said, speaking from the ground level of the building's atrium. Around and above him on the four floors overlooking the atrium, hundreds of CMG employees joined Kitchen. In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed, the crowd observed three minutes of silence, marked only by the sound of a tolling bell. After the silent observance, Kitchen who is a native of Canada, spoke of his awe for America's "indomitable spirit and ingenuity." Kitchen also read a personal note sent to him from Willis Reed, account vice president of corporate services in CMG's Northeast Marketing Division, based in New York State. Reed was on his way to a meeting in Manhattan when the first World Trade Center tower was struck. "As a nation, we are moving forward. It's time to get on with those things we really want out of our lives and build the memories we want to admire." At the end of the 10-minute ceremony, Shirley Klinker, an actuarial analyst at CUNA Mutual and a well-regarded local singer, sang "God Bless America."