I remember the morning of September 11, 2001 very distinctly, as I’m sure we all do. I remember the confusion in my mom’s voice as she told me to wake up, the eerie quiet on my high school campus, and the small tear on the face of my Physics teacher when he told the classroom that the towers had collapsed. I’m sure I’m not alone in remembering the minute details of that day eight years ago, and I know that my experiences were nothing compared to those who were more directly affected. But I think that if we take time today to remember how we felt in those tragic moments, we take a collective step toward refusing to repeat them.
Last year, the Long Beach police and fire departments held a touching tribute to their fallen brethren that gave their lives on that day. A similar memorial is planned for 9:00am this morning – we’ll have pictures for you shortly afterwards (UPDATE: click here for pictures from this morning’s memorial).
Also last year, photographer Dave Najar supplied us with photographs from the now-famous yearly memorial that Belmont Shore resident and firefighter Gary Biggerstaff contructs on his lawn each year (it stands there today, keeping tradition alive). Click here to take a look back, and take a moment today to remember the events of that day, so that we may never have to relive them.
Thanks to all those local heroes who have risked everything to serve. Have a great Friday.