9/11 Tribute in Lights marks 20th anniversary

BY Dawn Rankins

A scattering of Canyon Lake houses and yards were lit up with blue lights and other commemorative decorations to pay tribute to those who suffered or died as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City 20 years ago.

Many in the community stepped outside at 9:11 p.m. on Saturday and observed a moment of silence to honor the victims.

The 9/11 Tribute in Lights committee made a major focus on raising funds this year for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The committee collected $3,000 as of this week to donate to the foundation.

“In a beautiful display of blue lights, decorations and unity, Canyon Lakers lit the lake in blue,” Ilyssa Esgar-DeCasperis, committee chair for the 9/11 Tribute in Lights, said. “It was through the sales of lawn signs and T-Shirts that the committee is able to donate so much to the T2T foundation.”

The foundation honors military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for the country, Ilyssa said.

The group of 11 Canyon Lake residents who make up the committee of the 9/11 Tribute in Lights were determined to make this a somber event and they want to express their appreciation to the community of Canyon Lake for respecting their decision, Ilyssa said.

“We, along with the community,” Ilyssa said, “continue to recognize those we lost, those who survived, those who are ill and those who are still being diagnosed with illnesses from that fateful day.”

Other members of the committee were equally grateful to those who participated in the 9/11 event.

“Canyon Lakers are the best,” Committee Member Irma Mascorro said. “The 9/11, 20 years later, event was a solemn, and successful tribute. Thank you Canyon Lake.”

“I am honored to be part of this great committee,” Karen Bevans said. “Our small group of volunteers showed great passion in bringing our 9/11 Tribute to the entire community. Not only did we succeed, we were able to donate through donations and purchases of signs and Tshirts, $3,000.00 to T2T. I would like to thank our committee and our community for their support and participation.”

“This was a great way to remember 9/11 20 years later,” Tim Cook, Canyon Lake POA Director and 9/11 committee member, said. “I’m proud of the way Canyon Lake comes together. I’m proud of what the committee accomplished this year and I’m looking forward to next year.”

Committee member Jeannie Hoonirun said, “thank you Canyon Lake. United we stand.”

Ilyssa was living in New York when the towers were hit. She has lived in Canyon Lake since 2017.

“Seeing the unity and solidarity in Canyon Lake by our residents who come from all over the country and world,” she said, “confirms how right my decision was to move from New York to Canyon Lake.”

Ilyssa said the committee would like to recognize many people for their help.

Oleg Zabugorsky volunteered countless hours to create the video that was shown on the evening of 9/11, she said. Debbie Gagnon at Pack, Wrap and Post in the Canyon Lake Town Center made the Tshirts available for sale at her shop. Other local businesses donated gift cards which will be given to the best decorated Canyon Lake homes.

“The support of our Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors, our mayor, City Council members and our POA staff are truly appreciated,” Ilyssa said. “We could not have done this without them. We are grateful for the Proclamation by the City and the Certificate of Appreciation by the POA Board.”

Additional 2021 9/11 Tribute in Lights Committee are POA Director Brian and Judith Bock, Mayor Kasey Castillo, Chris Hickok, Gil Mascorro and Craig Spielmann.