Canyon Lake’s 9-11 did not disappoint

BY Dawn Rankins

This past weekend I was honored to be a part of this amazing community in which I live. I was able to experience first hand how Canyon Lake shows respect for the events of 9-11.

On Sunday morning, I went to the Canyon Lake Town Center where members of the city, Canyon Lake POA and Veterans and First Responders Club held an event where the unity in this community was obvious.

The heartfelt words expressed by our Mayor, Fire Chief, a resident who was a flight attendant with American Airlines during the time of the attacks, Jennifer Dain, who was the MC for the event, and others could be felt among those in attendance.

People came together and were united. One thing I heard throughout the entire day was, “Canyon Lake did not disappoint.” And I have to agree.

Photo by Dawn Rankins

This community, so I’ve heard, likes to party. While I won’t deny that, there was something extraordinary about Sunday within the gates of Canyon Lake. While some might say Canyon Lakers were partying on Sunday at the Lodge, it wasn’t your typical party. It was different. Even Sheriff Bianco commented on how many in the audience had beers in their hands, yet people were calm and respectful in lieu of the reason for getting together.

This community came together and reflected on its memories of 9-11-2001. One of the comments in a speech that evening was that Canyon Lakers are united, and on that night, you could feel it.

As I walked through the crowds, I had people, whom I had never met, come up and talk to me. I even received an extra hug or two that night. My son, who had come to visit me that evening, went to the event at the Lodge and commented on how amazing this community is.

When I got home that night, I looked into the sky and saw the most amazing sky I’ve seen in a long while. The moon was hidden partially behind the dark clouds and in that moment seeing the sky like it was, I couldn’t help but think how fitting such a sight was. Among the dark clouds was the brightness of the moon. Like 9-11, out of that dark day, we can hopefully find the light. We can stand united as a community and a nation.

I know it’s possible. I not only saw, but felt, the unity of Canyon Lake as we came together Sunday to remember a day that was intended by the evildoers to tear us apart. Canyon Lake did not disappoint.