Posted on 09/11/2002 8:04:02 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
Was a beautiful sunny day today in Clovis. Pelco's California Memorial is awesome. We could see the huge flag flowing in the breeze from blocks away as we approached the site. The photos do not do justice to this flag. It is huge! Also greatly enjoyed the flyover just as we arrived.
The ceremony was great. Don't know exactly how many people attended, but the number must've been in the thousands. There was marching bands, bagpipes, prayers, speeches and honor guards.
The event was also attended by several of the heroic Firemen and Policemen from NYC, one of whom spoke of the horrific events that they witnessed that terrible morning. There were 403 empty chairs in front of the stage representing the NYC Fire and Policemen who lost their lives on 9/11.
We arrived just as the service was starting and found space just beneath an American flag that was flying high overhead, suspended from an arch formed by the extended ladders of two fire trucks. Our spot was up front and just off stage right so, unfortunately, we could not get a clear view or photos of the speakers.
JustAmy and her husband were there, but we did not see them. We met up with NotPoliticallyCoreWrecked after the service and spent a couple hours with her exploring the museum and having lunch at Pelco's cafeteria.
Chris captured several photos. I'll post reduced copies of the photos in the replies below and also include a link to a larger version of each. Click on the photo to see the larger version.
Each chair was labeled with the individual's name and whether they worked for FDNY, NYPD, or the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. On each chair was a yellow rose.
The NYPD speaker acknowledged that this is the only permanent 9-11 memorial in existence. Every other state or city including New York, has yet to put up anything that recognizes the events of September 11th.
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Ping.
9-11-2002
This morning our family got up at 4:30 a.m. to attend a California Memorial. Christian and I were in our Scout uniforms and arrived early, as Christian had been asked to play his trumpet as part of the ceremony.
While we were standing around waiting, a New York Fireman, who was with a group of about 10 NY Police and Fireman there for the tribute, came up to Chris and said, “Here is something for getting up so early”, and handed him a NYPD-911-FDNY bumper sticker.
Chris and I then walked back over to our parking spot, so I could get a camera out of the car. As we got closer, we heard the City of New York Emerald Society, Scottish Bagpipe Corp warming up their instruments behind my car. We asked if it was all right, for Chris to tune and warm up his trumpet, while they were warming up for their entrance. They said “Why certainly.” After a short warm up and scale, we went back over to the staging area.
The Honor Guard of 21 Marines had arrived and were taking their places around the Memorial, that has a giant flag pole at its center, with a 30 x 50 foot US Flag flying above, which was originally raised by one the NY firemen, who hoisted the Flag on the Tower masthead at Ground Zero.
One of the men in charge of the anniversary tribute came up and shook my and then put his other hand on Chris’s shoulder and asked, “Are you ready?” Christian answered, “Yes.” And the man replied as they walked away, “You are now a Marine!” and took Chris up to introduce him to the Marines in the Honor Guard. The Marines asked Chris to take a position on the grassy knoll next to the Memorial.
At 5:40 a.m., (PST) the Marines were commanded to attention. The five Fire Engines parked behind the Memorial lit up their red emergency lights and another Honor Guard of Fresno, Clovis Police and Fresno, Clovis Firefighters lined up along the walkway to the Memorial site.
It was then about 5:42 and The City of New York Emerald Society Bagpipe and Drum Corp marched in, and extended the walkway to the memorial and played Amazing Grace. Next, the group of New York Police and Firefighters, as well as, New York-New Jersey Port Authority Police brought up three large wreaths and placed them with the other flowers and memorials.
At 5:45, four Honor Guard Marines marched up and took their positions at the base of the flagpole. The Marines then performed a 21-gun salute followed by Christian’s playing Taps on his horn. The large Flag was lowered to half-staff. Then, all the Honor Guards units were dismissed.
Everyone lined up to pray and view the California Memorial Site, that has been deeded to the City of New York.
Surrounded by family and friends, many spectators came up and said what a wonderful performance Chris had given. One man said, “Was that your son? I’m glad he’s a Scout.” I replied, “Me too.”
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