This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Nearly everyone over the age of 30 knows where they were the moment they heard of the attacks. Many watched on television as the second plane slammed into the World Trade Center, followed by the collapse of the towers. We watched as Congress was evacuated, as the Pentagon burned as a result of a plane flown into the building and learned the news of another plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
It was a shared, collective trauma.
For many in the Santa Clarita Valley the attacks resulted in personal trauma, of friends, as well as friends of friends and relatives lost in the tragedy.
In honor and rememberance of the 25th anniversary, special Sept. 11 events are being held throughout Southern California to remember this solemn day that “changed everything.”
Santa Clarita
9/11 Never Forget Memorial — 25th Anniversary
Trinity Classical Academy
28310 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Valencia 91355
The Young Americans for Freedom Chapter at Trinity Classical Academy hosts their annual 9/11 Never Forget Memorial Event on September 11 from 7:30 – 8 a.m.
Flags are placed on campus remembering 2,977 lives lost that day when America was attacked. A short program recounting the event, music and prayer are part of the memorial. The event is held in the Trinity Honor Court. First responders, military and veterans are encouraged to attend. Free seating available.
Sixth Annual Patriot Day
28776 The Old Road, Valencia 91355
Info guardiansscv.org/911-event
The Sixth Annual Patriot Day hosted by the SCV Guardians will be held Friday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. This free community event features a color guard, national anthem, ringing of the 10 bells, bagpipes, guest speakers and a WWII aircraft flyover by the Condor Squadron.
The Tribute Ceremony is followed by a car show and BBQ, onsite vendor booths; and first responder, military and law enforcement vehicles.
A commemorative challenge coin can be purchased and picked up at the event. Each coin is available for a donation of $20 pre-sale, $25 day-of, with proceeds benefiting Guardians SCV and its continued service to veterans, fire and law enforcement in our community.
All vehicles are welcome to participate in the car show. The registration is free and can be found at form.jotform.com/251636226420147. Cars will include classic cars, muscle cars, exotics, 4x4s, and any fire, law or military vehicle.
Proceeds and donations benefit organizations including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Stair Climbs
Stair climbs commemorate Sept. 11 by symbolically completing the 110-story journey up the World Trade Center towers that first responders attempted during the 2001 terrorist attacks. Participants climb 110 flights, totaling 2,200 steps, to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters, as well as police officers and EMS personnel, who lost their lives when the towers collapsed.
Ventura 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: Sept. 6
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura 93001
Info www.venturafirehonorguard.org
The Ventura 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the Ventura Fire Honor Guard will be held Sunday, Sept. 6.
The ceremony starts at 8 a.m. and the climb begins at 9 a.m., scaling 11 flights of stairs 11 times (121 floors total).
This climb is open to anyone (18+) looking to honor a fallen first responder, service member, or a loved one.
Spectators are encouraged to attend in support of climbers. Donations welcome. Registration is $60 per climber. Turnout gear and SCBAs encouraged.
All proceeds benefit the work of the Ventura Fire Honor Guard.
Long Beach 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: Sept. 12
1 World Trade Center, Long Beach 90802
Info longbeachstairclimb.com
This inaugural event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12, featuring a memorial ceremony, an 110-floor stair climb inside the Long Beach World Trade Center and a community reception.
Participants ascend 22 stories five times to complete 110 stories (2,200 steps) in memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost on 9/11.
Participants carry the name of a 9/11 victim with them on the climb.
Registration fee is $50 and includes a commemorative event shirt and a memorial name badge tag of a fallen hero.
All proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and families of 9/11 victims.
Sixth Annual 9/11 Memorial Climb 25th Anniversary: Sept.13
Los Angeles County Fire Museum
16400 Bellflower Blvd, Bellflower 90706
Info www.instagram.com/fireup_program/reels
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and raises funds for the Fire Up Program and Next Rung to support first responder mental health and wellness. All are invited to climb and be part of something meaningful.
