State Rep. Sharon Tyler, R-Niles, attends the second annual 9-11 ceremony held by the Michigan House of Representatives with Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold, left, and City of Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb. Photo submitted

The name of Benjamin Rast, a Navy hospitalman from Niles who died April 6, 2011, while serving in Afghanistan, was read at the capitol Tuesday during a 9-11 ceremony. Leader file photo

The Michigan House of Representatives Tuesday hosted a ceremony honoring first responders and Michigan natives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

State Rep. Sharon Tyler invited Niles Charter Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold and City of Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb to the event.

“Having these two individuals with me on the House floor today was an honor,” said Tyler, R-Niles. “It is important to pay tribute to those whose daily sacrifices protect our communities and our nation, especially as we recognize the men and women who lost their lives on that tragic day in 2001.”

Following the presentation of the colors by a Michigan State Police Honor Guard, the names of Michigan’s military and first responders who died in 2011 and 2012 were read and honored.

Tyler read the name of Benjamin Rast, a Navy hospitalman from Niles who died April 6, 2011, while serving in Afghanistan. The ceremony is an annual event in the Michigan House.