As we prepare for the 20th year remembrance of 9/11, we reflect on a day that has left an unforgettable impression on us and has impacted us all, where nearly 3,000 lives were lost, including 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 members of NYPD and 37 members of the Port Authority Police who died in the Line of Duty.
The City had originally begun planning for a large community event for this 20th remembrance of 9/11, but due to the ongoing pandemic, we will be paying tribute through much smaller community-based recognitions to ensure the health and safety of our first responders and the community remains the priority.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue and the Costa Mesa Police Department, led by Fire Chief Dan Stefano, our new Police Chief Ron Lawrence in collaboration with City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, would like to invite the community to join us in remembrance of the victims of Sept. 11.
As in years past, there will be a brief ceremony of remembrance and reflection in their honor. A number of local, regional, statewide, and worldwide ceremonies will be taking place throughout the day and we will be conducting ours as part of a countywide remembrance in the morning.
Specifically, the community is welcomed to join us at any one of the city’s six fire stations or via livestream on Sept. 11 at 8:45 a.m. Please be mindful if you plan to attend that strict health and safety protocols will be in place and access will be limited to the exterior of the fire stations.
Additionally, if attending in person, please arrive no later than 8:45 am, as the countywide broadcast is brief, beginning just after 9:00 am and concluding at approximately 9:10 am.
There will not be any formal presentations or speakers, other than the countywide broadcast, as the purpose of this ceremony is for us to reflect, remember, and honor all of those lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This remembrance service provides an opportunity for us to pay tribute to all who lost their lives that day while giving a salute to the members of the following uniformed services:
- 343 fallen members of FDNY
- 23 fallen members of NYPD
- 37 fallen members of Port Authority Police
We would like to thank you in advance for your understanding of our smaller in-person gathering this year, and most importantly, thank you for taking any time throughout the day on Sept. 11 to pay tribute to all of those we lost during these tragic events and their families.
Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers, as we come together to reflect and remember as we mark the 20 years since Sept. 11, 2001.