Paying Tribute

It has been nearly 16 years since that fateful day that changed the lives of many Americans. Three-hundred-and-forty-three firefighters from 75 firehouses lost their lives; 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. It had been the first time FDNY had issued a total recall in over 30 years.

Among the many civilians who lost their lives were an additional 71 members of the New York and New Jersey police departments, along with members of the Port Authority. It was also the largest deployment of search & rescue dogs in U.S. history.

We at the chamber feel it is important to remember what happened that day.  Not so much the who that attacked us, but that something like that could happen here.

Time goes by and memories dim. If anyone went back and read of the lives lost that day, it would be a reminder of how vulnerable we are.

The Crescenta Valley Remembrance Motorcade will take place on Monday, Sept. 11. While the motorcade passes by the fire departments, law enforcement station and several GUSD and LCUSD schools, the vehicles will display the names of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives. A route and time map is available on the chamber website, www.crescentavalleychamber.org, and will be in the CV Weekly on Sept. 7. A special tribute will take place at Bob Smith Toyota that evening at 6 p.m.  The community is invited to join us.   

Sept. 11 is also observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.  Do a little something extra that day for someone. Thank our first responders and veterans.

The following is an excerpt from George Pataki, former governor of New York: “As you recall September 11, always remember that we were attacked not for what we do wrong but for what we do right. Remember the spirit of that day – the day America showed what makes us a great people and a great nation; the day the true character of our nation triumphed over unspeakable evil; the day that freedom and democracy prevailed yet again over oppression and tyranny.”

Never forget.