September 11, 2021 - 20th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony Event Program

Saturday, September 11, 2021 - 10:00

20TH ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL CEREMONY

SEPTEMBER 11 TH

E V E N T P R O G RA M SAT U R DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1 - 1 0 : 0 0

Welcome & Presentation of the Honor Guard Flag Presentation Pledge of Allegiance Introduction of Speakers

Presentation of Proclamation

Interim City Manager, Anne Cardwell Vallejo Honor Guard Interim City Manager, Anne Cardwell Master of Ceromonies, Batallion Chief Dennis Martin Vallejo Mayor, Robert H. McConnell Vallejo Fire Chief, Kyle Long

Speaker Speaker

Vallejo Chief of Police, Shawny Williams

Speaker

Solano County Supervisor, Monica Brown (D2) Lieutenant Sanjay Ramrakha

Police Officer’s Prayer Firefighter’s Prayer

Battalion Chief Cliff Campbell Present Honor Guard

Last Alarm Presentation Engineer, Wally Trujillo Amazing Grace

P R O C L A M AT I O N

WHEREAS, The City of Vallejo and its citizens join with our fellow Americans across the nation in remembering those who lost their lives 20 years ago in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, as we reflect on the lives lost and continue to offer support to the families and friends who lost loved ones, and especially our firefighters, police, and first responders who continue to step forward and serve our communities with dedication and vigilance; and WHEREAS, we commend the firefighters, police, and first responders who courageously risked their lives to rescue those trapped in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, as well as the citizens and volunteers who selflessly worked to aid their friends, their coworkers, and strangers in need; and WHEREAS, community organizations and family members of 9/11 victims began observing the anniversary of September 11th as a service day to honor the memory of those who were lost; and WHEREAS, participating in service and remembrance activities on September 11th is a positive and respectful way to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service, and honor those who continue to serve our country today.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Robert McConnell, Mayor, and the Vallejo City Council do hereby proclaim September 11, 2021, as a Day of Service and Remembrance, and we call upon all citizens to observe this day with acts of selflessness and charity on this day and throughout the year and to observe a moment of silence to honor the innocent souls we lost.

Dear Friends, I am sorry I cannot be with you, but work has me in Washington, D.C. for legislative votes.

Today we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 when terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and attempted to hit the United States Capitol. Nearly 3,000 were killed. Families and communities were changed forever. And our nation lost its innocence.

As we mark two decades since that horrifying day, we remember those who lost their lives. We mourn for the people who got up to go to work, not expecting it would be the last time to tell their wife or husband or child goodbye. We mourn for the firefighters and police officers who rushed toward danger, single mindedly focused on helping people. We mourn for the passengers on Flight 93 who fought back, heroically stopping that plane from flying into our Capitol.

And as we mourn, we are reminded of the many selfless acts of courage and service that day, some that may never be told. In our nation’s darkest moment, so many Americans showed their humanity. It was that spirit that allowed us to rebuild, to grow and to help those who had lost so much. It’s a spirit we must carry on today.

This anniversary carries a deep burden that weighs on us all, as we mark the end to twenty years of war in Afghanistan. We grieve with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic terrorist attack last month at the Kabul Airport. And we grieve with all those who lost loved ones on the battlefield.

Finally, we stand with our veterans who returned home with the scars of war. This anniversary and this end to war looms large for our veterans.

May we all work to serve our communities and lift one another up the way we did in those early days after that tragic attack. And may we strive for a world where such terror and violence never happen again. God bless you and God bless America.

Sincerely, MIKE THOMPSON Member of Congress

September 11th, 2021 Re: 20th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 Terrorist Attacks Dear Friends, Thank you for being here today as we pay tribute to those that we lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 and as we reflect on these events as a nation. Unfortunately my duties have called me to other parts of our Senate District, but I asked that this letter be read on my behalf.

Twenty years later, the painful memories of this life-changing attack on American soil remain crystal clear for many, while an entire generation has grown up since. It’s a day to remember, but also a day to learn and educate, and to commit ourselves to embodying the best of the American spirit. We mourn the victims and the courageous first-responders who gave their lives to save others, and we stand with their families. We reflect on these terrible losses but also the resiliency of the human spirit and how Americans can come together.

Thank you all for attending today’s remembrance to honor those that we have lost and for reflecting upon the past, so that history may not repeat itself.

Sincerely, Bill Dodd Senator 3rd District

FIREFIGHTER’S PRAYER

POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,

Lord I ask for courage. Courage to face and conquer my own fears.

Courage to take me where others will not go.

give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property.

And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.

Vallejo City Hall 555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590 cityofvallejo.net

I ask for strength. Strength of the body to protect others and strength of spirit to lead others.

I ask for dedication. Dedication to my job, to do it well. Dedication to my community to keep it safe.

Give me Lord, concern for others who trust me and compassion for those who need me.

And please Lord, through it all, be at my side.