Patriot Day on Sept. 11 will once again be recognized with a patriotic motorcade.
By Mary O’KEEFE

Patriot Day is on Sept. 11 and honors the victims of the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. In Crescenta Valley, it is recognized with two separate ceremonies. A motorcade honors those emergency responders who raced to help others on 9/11, many of them losing their lives.

“The theme this year is, ‘Remembering and Celebrating the Life of the 343,’” said Dwight Sityar, one of the motorcade organizers.

Official records have stated that 343 firefighters died at the Twin Towers on 9/11. The motorcade has traditionally been a way of remembering those who lost their lives on that September morning, as well as honoring those emergency responders who helped in the recovery of the victims of the attack and continue to help their communities. This year, each classic vehicle will display the names of six of the names of the 343 firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The motorcade will be composed of classic cars that will travel throughout Crescenta Valley, passing fire and law enforcement stations and schools. An estimated 6,000 students are expected to be outside their schools to acknowledge the motorcade. Dignitaries will be taking part as well, riding in the classic cars. All along the route, residents and businesses can show their patriotic support by displaying American flags.  

The motorcade will assemble at 7:45 a.m. at the Ralphs Market parking lot in La Crescenta and will leave at 8:45 a.m. as the bells of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church begin to strike. It will travel through La Crescenta, Montrose and La Cañada. It will end at Los Angeles County Fire Camp 6 at about 10:20 a.m.

The second ceremony will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at Bob Smith Toyota, 3333 Foothill Blvd. This ceremony focuses on the victims and will include prayers, music and memories shared.

To learn more about the route, see the map below.

2017 motorcade

  Mary Okeefe