“All lost something, some lost everything.
United we stand, united we remember.”
MAY WE NEVER FORGET
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy-Sacramento sponsored the “Decade of Remembrance” Memorial to 911, held at our Capitol. They deserve a very special ‘thank you’ for their dedication in assembling this honorary event.
As the combined Fire – Military – Law Enforcement Honor Guard proceeded to the east wing Capitol steps, they passed the first three front rows, reserved-seating for those in attendance who had suffered a personal loss during 911. It was at this moment, one could see in the eyes of the audience, tears welling, as memories of 911 flooded. When asked to remember that very moment: ‘where we were, what we were doing, who we were with’ when we heard the announcement that terror was striking our homeland soil, the souls of each relived that instant. It was now ten years earlier for the audience, and today as we sat, shoulder to shoulder, we shared one moment in our lives that united each and every one of us then and reminded us we are united, today!
When Mayor Kevin Johnson addressed the podium, he reflected, as did State of California Department of Justice Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, that we are reminded that the travesty suffered by our nation brought only a resolve to once again rise to the occasion of not only defending our country, our homeland, our spirit, but to pursue our aggressors…as we did not become victims…and as we continued our plight to combat terrorists, our greatest success was ridding our world of bin Laden.
Dignitaries in attendance focused on the conviction of our nation’s Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Teams and First Responders, who, as terrorized victims were running for safety attempting to escape the inferno and steel beams crumbling, were running directly to the flames saving victims whose screams were heard. These unsung heroes are who we are as a nation. Bless them all.
Special Guests in attendance included:
- State of California Department of Justice Attorney General Kamala D. Harris
- City of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson
- United States Attorney, Benjamin Wagner
- Travis AFB, Colonel Dwight Sones
- California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow
- CA Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board Ex. Officer Julie Nauman
- Madison Noonan, Niece of Robert Noonan Killed on September 11, 2001
Recognition of all First Responders:
Director Sacramento County & Sacramento City OES, Chief Rick Martinez
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Sacramento, Ex. Dir. Chaplain Mindi Russell
Sacramento Community Children’s Choir
“All lost something, some lost everything.
United we stand, united we remember.”
MAY WE NEVER FORGET (Caption on program handout)
