The audience takes a collective breath as Choir Director Susan Ainley conducts a patriotic medley presented by Fresno Christian’s Chamber Choir at the California 9/11 Memorial. This will be the school’s second consecutive year performing for the annual ceremony.
Ainley has been teaching all things music at Fresno Christian for over a decade, taking this honorable invite to heart.
“I believe any time we can sing for the community at large, it is important to make time for it,” Ainley said. “All of our choir students who participated [last year] felt the reverence of the event, even though they don’t remember the actual day of the attacks.”
Veterans and the supporting community continue to gather each year at the Clovis 9/11 Memorial to give recognition to the lives lost and sacrificed. The Clovis Memorial stands as the largest memorial outside of New York City. The committee dedicated multiple bronze statues in memory of the first responders on 9/11 and to those who died as heroes on Flight 93.
The event coordinators expressed their desire to honor the lives lost through this event. Song choice, appropriate dress and a respectful tone are a priority at this event. This year’s Women’s Ensemble will be singing “God Bless America” and another patriotic medley.
In hopes of making an impact and displaying both passion and reverence, Ainley values this as an opportunity to give a meaningful performance.
“I was elated to be asked this year,” Ainley said. “Last year, we spent a lot of time in preparation because we wanted to present a beautiful and respectful performance. We focus a lot on having a servant’s heart at FC, and this is an excellent way to show that.”
Erik O. Ronnigen receives the honor of sharing his story as the special speaker for this year’s ceremony. Ronnigen is a survivor of the tragic attack, making it out of the South Tower before it collapsed. Other communities that have heard his story, including Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, recall becoming mesmerized by Ronnigen’s calming tone and detailed account.
“…when I speak of that day [9/11], it’s as if the events happened almost only yesterday,” Ronnigen said. “Those past memories are in the present as I discuss them. You can occasionally hear the emotion in my voice as I speak of certain aspects.”
The memorial opens opportunities for new generations to remember the attack on 9/11, through their One Voice Contest, which includes an art, poetry and teacher contest, or singing for the Memorial.
For 22 years, the memorial has dedicated itself to its mission statement, “Honor, Educate, and Remember.” This year, another generation will be educated about the tragedy of 9/11 through the ceremony, including Fresno Christian’s Women’s Ensemble and The Feather Online.
Senior Bella Hess, who sings soprano, had the opportunity to be a part of the 9/11 Ceremony last year, singing with the FC Chamber choir.
“It was a beautiful service overall,” Hess said. “[The ceremony] was filled with so much emotion hearing the recordings of the plane phone calls.”
Community members are invited to attend the California 9/11 Ceremony at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the California 9/11 Memorial or through their mobile exhibit. Visit the One Voice Competition and learn more about how students can get involved.
FC students will be offered extra credit in history class for visiting the memorial during the week of 9/11.
To watch a video from last year’s memorial visit [Video] 9/11 Memorial draws together community.
To read more from The Feather, visit Seniors build faith and fellowship at annual retreat or PROMO: Girls Volleyball sets up for success
