City observes 10th anniversary of 9/11

By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS

The crowd rose as one when the flag was raised. A few saluted, showing honor for all that it represented.

Late Sunday afternoon, San Benito city leaders, firefighters, police and EMS, including authorities from surrounding local agencies, attended the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which was held at the Heavin Memorial Park and Amphitheater. The honorees, including Mayor Joe Hernandez and State Representative Eddie Lucio III, spoke of the unforgettable day and how it affected those valiant men and women who died serving their community.

Commissioner Bill Elliott made mention of his son, who was working in the World Trade Center during the attacks. He said that thanks in part to the effort by the firefighters, police officers and EMS who rushed into the twin towers at great risk to their own lives, many more people may not have survived the attacks which claimed near 3,000 innocent civilians in New York City.

Mayor Hernandez asked not to forget the tragic day, and to continue staying united. “We cannot forget those heroes – the policemen, firefighters, paramedics, rescue teams, and others – that hurried into harm’s way to save lives,” Hernandez said.

Lucio reminisced that day, recalling that many first responders who went into the towers didn’t think of anything else but to protect and to serve.

Veterans Advisory Board Chair Victor Garza also attended, commenting on the locators firefighters wore at the time, each one sounding an alarm signaling that a firefighter was motionless.

A slideshow was then shown to the crowd, a tribute to those who lost their lives that day.

As a means to finish the ceremony, a ceremonial bell was rung five times before engaging in solemn prayer. Lucio said he was pleased with the event. “It was a really great way to honor the firefighters and the police. I hope we can keep feeling this thankful all the year long,” he said.