Last week, as America marked the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, hundreds of community members gathered at the Nixon Library for an annual commemoration.
Joe Lopez, Acting President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, opened the program by reminding attendees that September 11 is both a day of remembrance and of gratitude.
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes reflected on the nearly 3,000 lives lost, reminding the audience that each victim had a unique story. He emphasized that the phrase “Never again” represents a solemn promise upheld by all who serve in law enforcement.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy shared stories of first responders who made a conscious decision to give their lives for others. “So while it’s natural to dwell on the horror faced by the nearly 3,000 souls we lost on 9/11,” he said, “today we honor the fullness of their lives, including the final moments in which all of them in some form or another became selfless spirits–for their colleagues for their friends for complete strangers and, of course, for the communities they took an oath to protect.”
Lt Col. USMC (ret) Grant Williams spoke on the theme of duty while sharing his personal experience being called back to active duty following the attacks. He noted that the best thing that came off of his deployment was his exposure to the young Marines, juniors and seniors in high school, who had a sense of duty instilled in them and volunteered to serve. He urged the audience to focus on the students with the reminder that, when the time comes, there will be that core group of young people that will step forward and rise to the challenges before them.
This program also included an invocation from OCFA Chaplain Kent Kraning, special performance by the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums, Presentation of Colors by the Blue Eagles Honor Guard, and performances of patriotic music from the Villa Park High School Band, Orange High School Chamber Singers and the OC Master Chorale.
Watch here:
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- Lt Col. USMC (ret) Grant Williams
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- Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy
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- Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes
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- Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums
