COVID-19 has caused many local events to be canceled but the motorcade that acknowledges 9/11 and first responders will go on.

By Mary O’KEEFE

Though the ways events are held have changed – or have been canceled completely – due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and Early Rodders did not want to cancel their annual Patriot Day motorcade. Held on Sept. 11, the groups adjusted their event, which has actually made their outreach go even deeper into the community.

Each year over 50 classic cars and hot rods drive through the Crescenta Valley on Sept. 11 in recognition of Patriot Day and first responders. Beginning around 9 a.m., signaled by the playing of the chimes at St. Luke’s of the Mountains, the motorcade, which included fire engines and law enforcement vehicles, would drive past fire stations, the CV Sheriff’s Station and Glendale substation in Montrose. In addition, the motorcade would drive past specific locations like American Legion Post 288 and the Vietnam Memorial in Montrose. In years past the motorcade drove past schools, too, but this year, due to remote learning, select schools only have pod classrooms with a limited number of students on campus.

Since 2020 is unlike any other year, some changes had to be implemented to the motorcade while still continuing to recognize Patriot Day and first responders. On Friday, a reduced number of classic cars and hot rods will be making their way through the Crescenta Valley. There will only be 40 vehicles this year, and although the motorcade will pass by three elementary schools, it will not be driving past any other schools. It has also added USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and Adventist Health Glendale to the route.

“We will be honoring the front line workers,” said Dwight Sityar, organizer and member of Early Rodders.

In addition to the two hospitals, several nursing/assisted living homes are on the motorcade route. Organizers are aware of how isolated the pandemic has made those living in assisted living homes feel and thought this motorcade would be a safe, socially distanced way to add to the residents’ day.

The cars will be driving by the front of all locations except for Twelve Oaks Senior Living, where the motorcade will go into the driveway.

“[Early Rodders] did [a motorcade] for Memorial Day and it was such a hit with the residents,” said Denise Gotto, executive director at Twelve Oaks Senior Living.

Residents at Twelve Oaks will line up on both sides of the site’s parking area, wearing masks and observing socially distancing rules as they did during Memorial Day; however, this time Gotto has invited the residents’ families.

“And our neighbors,” she added.

All will be required to observe social distancing and face covering protocols.

“This time we have gift bags we will hand out to all the drivers as they go by,” she added.

Although residents still see each other on occasion, COVID-19 guidelines have limited their interaction. This motorcade adds an excitement, especially since they know what to expect.

“They are even more excited, especially the men who will talk about this for weeks,” Gotto said. “It brings back memories for them.”

Patriot Day honors the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. It is observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. In Crescenta Valley the day was traditionally recognized with two events, the first was the motorcade that honored first responders and was a way of thanking them for their continued service in keeping the community safe, especially during the wildfire season. The second event was a time to remember those who had lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This second event often had speakers who were on the East Coast at the time of the attacks, who had volunteered shortly after Sept. 11 or had lost family members and friends as a result of the terrorism. This year due to COVID-19 the second part of the event has been canceled.

To see maps of where the motorcade will travel, visit www.cvweekly.com/NEWS.

  Mary Okeefe