“Never Forget” has been the message etched in the hearts of Americans since the tragic Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. And America never forgot.

Ten years later, the nation commemorated one of the saddest days in history, with memorial services all over the country.

In town, the Belleville Clergy Alliance yesterday held an interfaith commemoration service at the Christian Apostolic Church on Wallace Street. Among those present were Rev. Baron Ashfield (Fewsmith Memorial Presbyterian), Rev. Dwayne McCain (Little Zion UAME), Rev. Wesley Neal (Wesley United Methodist), Rev. Nancy Moore (Bethany Lutheran), Pastor George MucCulloch (Montgomery Presbyterian), Revs. Daniel and Evelyn Perez (Iglesia Mission Canaan II), and Rev. Grace Alfieri (Christian Apostolic).

The service started with a few words from Alfieri and a couple of videos chronicling the events that took place in New York’s WTC exactly a decade ago.

Alfieri reminded everyone that while we “never forget” those tragic events, our focus now is on healing and moving forward.

“At first we didn’t believe that it could actually happen here in this country,” said McCain. “But as we learned, no one knows the day or the hour. People have been holding on to pain and suffering, but there comes a time for healing. Know that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is asking us to remember — let the healing begin — and it begins with us.”

According to Neal, as Christians, “We are a people who grieve today, but we are also a people who hold on to the hope of the gospel.”

Ashfield gave a few words on “How to Overcome Evil with Good.” He said the question is how can we become “better” instead of “bitter,” as a result of the 9/11 events.

“In Romans XII, we are told to not be overcome by evil…but to overcome evil with good,” stressed Ashfield.

“We have a choice in every situation to either be victorious or to be defeated. First we need to overcome with praise to God. We can overcome sin and evil through God who lives in us.

“Then we are to overcome with forgiveness that will break the cycle of evil and hatred and will lead to reconciliation.

“As Christians we are to overcome with love…with hope, joy and faith.”

The congregation held a candle lighting ceremony and offered prayers and songs in remembrance of those who perished on that fateful day.