At precisely 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane hit the North tower of the World Trade Center, a hush rushes over attendees of the Fresno, California 9/11 Memorial. Recorded radio dispatch calls from Sept. 11, 2001, play over the speakers, a flashback of the Islamic terrorist attack on the U.S. nation. Onlookers sit in solemn retrospection of the memories they have from the day approximately 3,000 lives were lost.
As the country was sent into chaos, the unity and strength of the American citizens was tested. The people vowed to “never forget” and to teach future generations to “honor, educate, and remember” the historical events of that dreadful day.
Fresno Mayor and former Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer expounds on the importance of unification when in chaos.
“I think all we focus on in America is the divisiveness,” Dyer said. “Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, those are the things that divide us, but today is what unites us.”
In 2001, U.S. citizens watched as first responders tugged their family members and friends from the rubble, risking their lives for the good of the people they vowed to serve and protect. While everyone was running from the destruction, heroic first responders sprinted toward the demolished buildings. Sacrifices were made, and lives were lost. The California 9/11 Memorial showcased 404 American flags to represent each fallen first responder and one canine who died in action.
Guest speaker George Martin, New York Giants NFL Superbowl champion and author of Just Around the Bend – My Journey For 9/11, says the dutiful sacrifices first responders made for the nation touches his heart.
“What impressed me more than anything was that as people were running away from the danger, there was a group of people that were running toward it,” Martin said. “Those were first responders; Those were police, firemen, rescue, they all ran toward that imminent danger. Unfortunately, most of them were lost, and that’s what really touched me the most.”
Fresno County Fire Chief Dustin Hale recalls the events of 9/11 perfectly, having vivid memories of his battalion chief banging on the fire station door. Hale said he feels a sense of pride for the sacrifices his fellow first responders made and the way the memorial honors and pays respect to those who served.
Hale remarks on the feelings that arose from the honorable traditions used to commemorate the country’s healing.
“I think what stood out to me today was the “Amazing Grace” played by the bagpipes and drums; any time you hear that song it’s a tear-jerker, and you can definitely feel it as it waivers through your body from the sense of sorrow and sadness,” Hale said. “But it also represents how talented they are in a sad moment, how they can form something so beautiful.”
The memorial ceremony included many visual and audible aspects meant to convey the sorrow and pride our country experienced throughout and following the events of 9/11. The Fresno Christian Chamber Choir had the outstanding opportunity to open the ceremony with the singing of “America the Beautiful,” “My Country Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.” This allowed students the chance to experience the memorial and expand their knowledge of 9/11.
Student and choir member K’lanna McArn, ‘26, was thrilled to contribute to the honor bestowed upon 9/11 veterans and those who were lost while sacrificing for the country she calls home.
“The part that touched me the most was the 9/11 dispatch call that they played. You can just hear the emotion of the man and how much fear he had in his voice,” McArn said. “I think it’s important to always remember those who fight for us because they are the reason we don’t have to live our lives in fear. We should always have events and ceremonies like this to remember the ones who died and the ones who brought us together.”
As the years pass and generations age, the upholding of memories from 9/11 becomes more and more important. The California 9/11 Memorial website offers a curriculum teachers can use to immerse their students in history. The One Voice Contest, a logo, poetry and art competition, is held to encourage students to get involved; the prizes include iPads, a paid trip to the 9/11 memorial in New York, and $1000 scholarships.
Lisa Benham Lewis, Director at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and California 9/11 Memorial board member, voiced that teaching our youth about the aftermath of 9/11 shows them the significance of unity as a country and a people.
“We were all Americans, and we had been hurt. And that’s the thing about America in general, when you hurt us, you better watch out,” Lewis said. “We really unified and came together, and we were stronger because of it.”
Danny Gonzales, Captain of Clovis Fire Department, explains that the camaraderie of the nation strengthened the people during the havoc of the aftermath.
“We all saw the same focus and came together as a country and pushed in the same direction for the freedoms that we, many times, will look at but don’t recognize until they’re lost,” Gonzales said. “And those events actually started to bring the country together as people and a whole nation to see the importance of coming together and being unified.”
The years pass, but the nation’s history stays the same. Survivors participate in remembrances of those who didn’t make it to see the memorials in their honor. First responders and citizens have vowed to never forget. Year after year we honor the brave souls who fulfilled their oath to our country and protected our nation. We will forever honor, educate and remember.
To read more from The Feather visit Jacob Cantu steps into new science role or PROMO: 39th Annual Homecoming.
