Politics & Government
Slide Show: Residents Share 9/11 Stories and Remember The Fallen
More than 800 Laguna Niguel citizens gathered for the city's annual 9/11 remembrance event on Sunday evening.
Last night, more than 800 Laguna Niguel citizens gathered at the Crown Valley Community Park for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
The community came together to pay homage to those who lost their lives, as well as to honor local firefighters, police officers and soldiers.
Boy Scouts passed out miniature American flags and candles as people entered the park. The Laguna Niguel Military Support Group was also on hand to help with the event.
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Each attendee seemed to have a different story to tell about why they decided to come to the Sunday night ceremony.
“I pay tribute every year in my own way. My boss almost perished in the 9/11 attacks. It is very close to my heart, and it has never left me since,” said Susan Miller.
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The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the release of dozens of beautiful white doves. Mayor Gary Capata then addressed the crowd and praised all of the brave men and women in uniform for their hard work and dedication to the country. He also praised every American that rose to the occasion in the days following the attacks.
“We are here to thank all of those ordinary Americans who became heroes on that day. Many of them, especially those of Flight 93, were willing to give their lives so many more Americans would not perish,” Capata said.
One of the most moving parts of the event was when the Vibrations, a cappella group sang, God Bless America. Everyone in the crowd began to wave their miniature American flags. By the time the song concluded, the audience was waving their flags in a single, synchronized motion that displayed a breathtaking view.
The ceremony concluded with everyone lighting candles and taking a moment of silence as the OC Fire Authority's Pipes and Drums played a somber tune. It was then time for everyone in the crowd to reflect on the events of the past 10 years and realize how far we have come as a nation.
I recalled a quote that resonated with me at that moment, “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared so we will always be free,” President Ronald Reagan.
