Remembering 9/11 Attacks

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the United States would be awakened by tragedy as terrorists from the Islamist extreme group al Qaeda hijacked four commercial aircrafts – crashing two of them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. A third plane would crash into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth plane, which was targeted for Washington D.C., would crash into an empty field in western Pennsylvania, after the Flight 93 passengers fought back against their hijackers.

The attacks would leave 2,977 people dead; 2,753 of whom were killed in New York; 184 were killed at the Pentagon; and 40 people were killed on Flight 93. The Twin Towers of the WTC would also completely collapse in New York, leaving the entire site devastated.

The events of 9/11 would become a day long remembered by all Americans; a day that would not only signify a horrific tragedy in our country’s history, but also the country’s united resilience in the aftermath.

To commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the tragic events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the City of Long Beach held a citywide moment of silence on Monday, Sept. 11. The event was hosted by Mayor Rex Richardson and the Long Beach Police and Fire Departments, with the moment of silence serving as a citywide opportunity to honor and remember the lives lost on that tragic day.

The ceremony took place outside of Long Beach’s Fire Station 1. It started with a Last Alarm tribute at 9:11 a.m., followed by a ceremonial wreath placement, moment of silence, as well as some words of reflection by Mayor Rex Richardson.

“September 11 was one of the most tragic days in our country’s history, and I’ll never forget it,” said Richardson, during the ceremony. “On that day, thousands of lives were lost, including the lives of more than 400 first responders. Those courageous heroes ran into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and many other places to ensure people were safe. They gave their lives so that others may live.”

Richardson continued: “It was a horrifying tragedy, but we rose together to the challenge as a country. Let us remember the spirit of immense national unity that gave us strength as we began to rebuild. Let us remember and honor the lives that were lost. and let us remember that together, we are strong. There’s no challenge that we can’t overcome.”

During his speech, Mayor Richardson also took a minute to acknowledge the many hard-working firefighters, police officers, and first-responders in attendance of the ceremony, commemorating them for their continued service to the City of Long Beach.

“As we look around us this morning, we see the folks that protect our community,” said Richardson. “They’re the ones who run into danger; they’re the ones who come to our aid, and they’re the ones working tirelessly to save lives each and every day. Our firefighters, police officers, and all of our first responders deserve to be uplifted for the work that they do every single day.”

As Richardson concluded his speech, he had asked all in attendance to join him in a moment of silence for those who had lost their lives on 9/11.

On March 13, 2006, five years after the events of 9/11, construction would begin for the 9/11 Memorial, and it would open to the public on Sept. 11, 2011. The memorial is located on the western side of the former WTC complex where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, and on Flight 93, as well as in the 1993 bombing at the WTC, are etched in bronze around the edges of the pools – to remind everyone that although they may be gone, they will never be forgotten.