Former FDNY firefighter Andy Isolano honors memorial founder David McDonald

Eighteen years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were lost from September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US soil. The remembrance of this tragic day has become known as Patriots Day. May we never forget.

In honor of those who perished, an expansion of the California 9/11 Memorial, including a 1/100th scale model of the Twin Towers, a Pentagon and a limited edition bronze statue of the first responders, is revealed at the 18th annual memorial service.

Thousands of people attended the ceremony hosted at the former Pelco property in Fresno and partnered with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.

Representatives from Central Valley fire, police, sheriffs, military, and volunteer services in Clovis all participated. The event also honored founder David McDonald who past away in January 2019.

A number of first responders who answered the call on 9/11/01 also attended the event including former New York City firefighter, Andy Isolano. In total, Isolano served eleven years working in Brooklyn on Ladder 108.

“Together we are here to not only remember those that lost their lives but also for those who weren’t alive during that time,” Isolano said. “We hope to better educate and inform the youth about what happened that day. We also celebrate the importance of the next day; 9/12. On that day everyone was American it didn’t matter the color of your skin or your background and I would love to see that come back again.”

As the guest speaker for the ceremony, Isoano shared his experiences while living in New York and hopes for the future.  

“My hope is that the memorial spurs on thoughts and questions from the youth and maybe even bring in others from outside the area to see how beautiful the memorial is,” Isolano continued. “I love to see the people’s reactions that come here and the impact it can have on their lives.” 

May we never forget. Use the following hashtags to stay connected: #NeverForget #Honor911 #MemorialDay #WTC #September11 #911Memorial #911Day.

Braden Bell can be reached via email: Braden Bell, Instagram and Twitter.

The following slideshow features images from the ceremony at the California 9/11 Memorial, Sept. 11.

Gallery • 20 Photos