By Lori BODNAR

“We will never forget.” Twenty years have passed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Four commercial airliners were hijacked mid-flight by Al-Qaeda terrorists who intentionally flew two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center causing mass casualties. The third plane struck the Pentagon, killing 125 people, while the fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control, diverting the aircraft from the hijackers’ intended location believed to be the White House or U.S. Capitol.

Even though a generation has passed, the lives lost and the ensuing destruction are still remembered by the American people and throughout the world, since citizens from over 90 countries were killed in the attacks. Patriot Day on September 11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

To remember and honor the emergency responders who risked their lives to help those in need and in memory of everyone who lost their lives on 9/11, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts a Patriot Day Remembrance Motorcade. This year, the event will be on Friday, September 10th, so local schools can participate.

“The motorcade starts at 8:42 a.m. from Ralph’s parking lot. It passes by five fire stations, three convalescent homes, two grocery stores, a hospital and thirteen schools within La Crescenta, Montrose and La Cañada,” said Dwight Sityar, one of the organizers of the event.

Fifty different types of cars will participate, ranging from classic, exotics, hot rods and one of a kind makes, like a tri-wheel Lamborghini,  fire engines,  Los Angeles County Sheriffs/Crescenta Valley Station and Glendale police patrol units, Montrose Search and Rescue  vehicles and California Highway Patrol motorcycle units to help with traffic control. The oldest car in the motorcade is a 1926 Ford Hot Rod.

Dwight noted, “This motorcade is a reminder for those who still recollect that fateful day of September 11 when the U.S. was attacked,” Sityar said. “In Crescenta Valley we have coined the words ‘Remember- Honor-Respect’. We hope we have the community rally behind the Patriot Day Remembrance Motorcade as we travel the planned route.”

“The importance of the motorcade is remembering 9/11. It doesn’t matter which political side you are, we can all remember the tragedy that occurred and come together in support of our country. The motorcade is an emotional experience for the drivers and audience,” said Steve Pierce, an organizer.

The motorcade focuses on honoring  emergency responders as it drives past the fire stations, law enforcement stations and the hospital. Traditionally the event also includes a somber evening program that remembers the souls that were lost however due to the pandemic that ceremony has been canceled.

A map of the route the motorcade can be found below:

  Lori BODNAR