Interim city Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell perform the ‘10 Bells’ ceremony Sept. 11 at the fire department’s Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. The ceremony was part of a memorial program in honr of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Courtesy photo
Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — Public safety agencies and communities across the Southland commemorated the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including an annual remembrance ceremony featuring bagpipers, a helicopter flyover and the ringing of “10-Bells” in Elysian Park.
Interim Los Angeles Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva joined Mayor Karen Bass, county Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Sheriff Robert Luna, among other elected officials and distinguished guests, for the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the LAFD’s Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center.
“Since 2002, this ceremony allowed for all of us to gather and honor the memory of those lost and also salute the bravery of those who responded in the face of tragedy,” Bass said. “On this day, 24 years ago, the unimaginable occurred. Each of us recalls where we were the day the news broke here in Los Angeles, we felt a unique shock and grief that day.”
With the backdrop, the mayor emphasized that they also witnessed communities together in the wake of tragedy. Members of the LAFD, alongside other first responders across the nation, rose to serve the country hours after the attack.
“Members of the LAFD Urban Search and Rescue Task Force headed to Ground Zero with one mission in mind: To serve,” Bass said.
She reiterated that 9/11 is a day to honor the lives lost, and also those who protect our cities and our country.
Villanueva echoed the mayor’s sentiments, adding that “We promised then and we promised now that we will never forget that morning between the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the heroic passengers of flight 93.
“Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost. Families were shattered. Communities were broken and the nation was shaken,” Villanueva said. “Yet in that darkness, we also saw the extraordinary courage. From 24 years ago to today, the words and thoughts of those who were there continue to resonate with us.”
McDonnell spoke of the courage of first responders who rushed into danger and saved lives on that day. He added that their courage “remains a guide for all of us in public service.”
Villanueva and McDonnell rang “10-Bells,” a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders on that day.
All L.A. County departments were expected to fly the U.S. and county flags at half-staff to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks.
Supervisor Hilda Solis issued a statement reflecting on the 24th anniversary of the attacks.
“As a member of Congress in 2001, I vividly recall the confusion and fear of that morning,” she said. “I was in my office watching the news when security rushed in and told us to evacuate immediately. Outside, I saw the Pentagon burning. The sky was thick with smoke, and the air carried a smell I will never forget.
“Each year, this anniversary reminds us not only of what we lost, but also of what we must continue to protect. It is time to honor the memory of those who died by renewing our commitment to unity, service and hope,” Solis added.
Throughout the region, additional events were held to honor victims and first responders.
The San Gabriel Fire Department hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance and Tribute Ceremony, featuring a display of mini flags on the station’s front lawn, each bearing the name of a fallen responder, and a march and tribute by the Verdugo Fire Communications Center Dispatch, at the San Gabriel Fire Station 51, 1303 S. Del Mar Ave.
L.A. Works — Los Angeles’ largest volunteer action center — marked the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance with a volunteer event supporting veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Jose Herrera is a reporter for City News Service.
