Remembering 9/11
Attention:
This exhibit includes sounds and images that may not be suitable for young children. Parental supervision is recommended.
Events of 9/11
On September 11, 2001, the United States of America was attacked by 19 militants associated with al Qaeda, when they hijacked four airplanes in a suicide attack. The World Trade Center towers were struck by two airplanes and a third hit the Pentagon just outside of Washington D.C. The fourth plane, Flight 93, was hijacked and as those on board heard the news regarding what had happened in New York and Washington DC, a group of passengers and flight attendants stepped in to ensure they did not reach their target. At 10:10am the plane crashed in a rural field near Shanksville in western Pennsylvania.
On this day, almost 3,000 lives were lost.
FDNY Radio Communications
Take a moment to listen to the FDNY radio communication from the morning of 9/11.
Shard of Glass, World Trade Center
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Piece of Marble, World Trade Center
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Piece of Concrete, World Trade Center
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Fire Fighter Uniform worn on 9/11
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Tools Utilized by FDNY on 9/11
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Ashes from Ground Zero
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
Memorial made from a World Trade Center Beam
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined that ever to live our lives in freedom."
Rudy Giuliani, October 1, 2001
Resilience & Unity
At 9pm the evening of September 11th, 2001, President Bush delivered a message to our nation from the Oval Office, "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they can not touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve." On September 12, 2001, our nation came together as one and in the following days the United States was urged to return to a sense of "normalcy" and to not let the attacks on our nation instill fear.
In response, Operation Enduring Freedom began to remove the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and destroy Osama bin Laden's network of terrorists. Many young men and women who witnessed the events of 9/11 from afar saw the actions of those who attempted to break the American resolve and chose to serve our great nation.
The Clovis community answered the call.
Clovis Community Gold Star Heroes
During the early days of World War I, a Blue Star was used to represent each person, man or woman in the Military Service of the United States. As the war progressed and people were killed in combat, others wounded and died of their wounds or disease, there came about the accepted usage of the Gold Star.
Below are the brave men and women who gave their lives during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Community Unites
Shortly after the events of September 11th, CEO of Pelco David McDonald created a memorial in Clovis, CA to honor the first responders who sacrificed their lives. In December of 2001, Mr. McDonald flew out 1,100 first responders from New York to dedicate the memorial.
Each year at the memorial site, a group of citizens, first responders, and military personnel perform a ceremony in service traditions for the victims of September 11th. Honoring the brave spirit of those who sacrificed their lives to save others.
343 FDNY Firefighters Emblem
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
FDNY Honorary Chief helmet presented to David McDonald
Courtesy of the CA 9/11 Memorial Collection
The memorial is open to the public and located at 3485 Never Forget Lane, Clovis, CA 93612.
To learn more visit california911memorial.com
Where were you on September 11th, 2001?
The men and women who gave their lives on September 11, 2001 and in the long months and years that followed must be etched in our souls. This country has endured many hard times and we preserver because of all those who were and are willing to put themselves in harms way to defend the ideals that form the bedrock of our national pride.