9-11 Tribute Patriot Day chocked full of events

BY Dawn Rankins

Canyon Lake is determined to not forget the dreadful collapse of the Twin Towers in New York City 21 years ago. The community has made the anniversary of 9-11 a monumental day of remembrance and recognition for those who fell that day.

The Canyon Lake Veterans and First Responders Group, along with co-hosts the City of Canyon Lake and the Canyon Lake POA, invite the community to join in the Tribute in Light Memorial Event Sunday. Events are scheduled throughout the day.

The morning will begin at the Canyon Lake Veterans Memorial in the Canyon Lake Town Center at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome reception, followed by the pledge of allegiance, invocation and the first bell ring at 8:46 a.m. to recognize Flight 11 that crashed into the North Tower.

At 9:03 a.m., a second bell will ring in remembrance of Flight 175 that flew into the South Tower. At 9:37 a.m. a third bell rings in recognition of those in Flight 77 that crashed into the west side of the Pentagon. At 10:03 a.m., a final bell will ring for Flight 93 that crashed into a rural field in western Pennsylvania after passengers stormed the cockpit.

Between the bell rings, Mayor Jeremy Smith will say a few words, followed by Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse, then the playing of the national anthem, bagpipes and finally, a moment of silence.

The morning Tribute will be one of somberance and reflection of how 9-11 changed American lives forever.

The afternoon will begin with a golf cart parade for whoever would like to participate. At 2:30 p.m. golf carts will line up and the parade will begin at Eastport promptly at 3:00 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to decorate their golf carts in red, white and blue in remembrance of 9-11 and join in the parade which will travel from Eastport to the Lodge where the afternoon tribute begins.

At the Lodge there will be booths of vendors and clubs with activities for the young ones to enjoy or things to purchase.

A band will begin playing at 4:00 p.m. and the Canyon Lake mayor will speak again, along with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco beginning at 7:00 p.m, followed by the Blue Light tribute.

Members of the University of California, Riverside band will play bagpipes and amazing grace followed by a moment of silence at 9:11 p.m.

The organizers of the event are grateful for all those who have helped bring to pass the now annual event.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped and who has been a part of making this event possible,” Tim Cook said.

“This is a day meant for unity,” Jeannie Hoonnirun said. “It shows to everyone that no matter what life brings upon us, we will continue on and live our lives in this country of the free and the brave.”

Cassi Eden invites the community to a 9-11 remembrance run/walk beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Lodge flagpole. The non-competitive run will finish at the Veterans Memorial in the Canyon Lake Town Center where runners and walkers can join in the morning tribute.

Before the run, the names of the 9-11 soldiers killed at the start of the subsequent war will be read.