By Bill Miranda
Santa Clarita City Mayor
It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we watched the deadliest attack on America unfold right in front of our eyes. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, one was flown into the Pentagon and passengers overtook the terrorists in the cockpit of United flight 93, causing it to crash in Pennsylvania instead of reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C.
We all remember where we were and what we were doing that fateful Tuesday morning when the world changed forever. Eating breakfast before heading off to school. Watching the local news for the daily traffic and weather reports. In the car listening to the radio on the way to work. No matter what you were doing, I know you froze in place and time stood still when you heard the news.
The Santa Clarita Valley community did what it has always done in times of tragedy, which is come together to support our friends, neighbors and fellow Americans. Our residents are firefighters, police officers and members of the military. They are also mothers, fathers and siblings. We all saw our own faces in those who were lost on September 11, and we knew we must lend our support in any way possible.
In Santa Clarita, neighbors came together on September 21, 2001, at City Hall for a rally to remember and appreciate the victims, rescuers and heroes of 9/11. At the event, hundreds of residents, non-profit organizations and local businesses raised more than $23,000 to support the victims’ families. Many more donated blood and supplies for those in need.
A year later, the City held a “Day of Remembrance” at Eternal Valley, honoring law enforcement, firefighters and other emergency personnel. In addition to a memorial service, a plaque was dedicated for first responders to honor their sacrifice. As the years have gone by, we continue commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks, not only to remember those who were killed but to also strengthen our resolve as a nation.
This year, please take time to say a prayer for the victims of the attacks and their families, as well as the men and women of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency workers and first responders who continue to put their lives on the line daily to defend our country and protect our freedoms.
For those in your family who were not yet born or who may have been too young to feel the impact of that day, take time to teach the history and its effects on our lives today. And remember – we will forever be one nation under God, indivisible.
God bless America.
Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
