Southern California events will mark 9/11 anniversary

From motorcycle riders making their way down the coast to a piano concert that promises an atmosphere of hope, the Southland has an array of events this weekend that mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The dozens of activities that include interfaith gatherings, tree plantings, concerts and panel discussions are aimed at providing the public time and space to reflect on events of a decade ago.

“The highest tribute to those who died in the 9/11 terror attacks is a true sense of cooperation and understanding among people of diverse points of view,” said Robert Williams of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The diocese proposed an event, to be held Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, that will bring together hundreds of leaders from churches, synagogues and mosques. The Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders is hosting the gathering.

Open to everyone, the event will include a reading of the names of the 32 Southern Californians who died in the attacks and the lighting of 500 glass globe lanterns.

In Canoga Park, motorcycle enthusiasts will meet Sunday morning at Barger Harley-Davidson. Owner Loretta Hanson expects about 1,500 people to show up for the fundraiser that will honor 9/11 victims and servicemen and women, as well as benefit the Veterans Home of California-West Los Angeles. The event includes a group bike ride through Topanga Canyon and along Pacific Coast Highway.

Those who head to the University of La Verne over the weekend will be able to listen to lectures about the war on terror and global strategy. There is also a piano recital and photo slide show at 6 p.m. Sunday that organizers hope will offer students and the surrounding community a moment of meditation.

“A lot of the music will be improvised along with an assortment of imagery that is not from 9/11,” music professor Reed Gratz said. “Many of the students here were children when it happened, and that’s a really different kind of experience and an interesting thing to connect with.”

Families looking for an outdoor event can attend a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast to benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Orange County Fire Authority Benevolent Assn., which will be followed by a tribute ceremony across from the Irvine Spectrum Center and a 5-K walk.

For one organization, the entire month of September is dedicated to remembering 9/11. In the past, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA has used the date to remind the nation that the terrorist act was an isolated event that does not reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of Muslims. Last year, the organization took out billboard ads and sent members door-to-door with fliers.

This time around, however, the 90-year-old national organization wanted to do more than issue statements: The group has launched a monthlong blood drive campaign titled “Muslims for Life.”

Throughout September, Ahmadiyya will hold blood drives at 140 mosques and prayer centers across the country, aiming to collect 10,000 units of blood. The campaign, organizers believe, is not only an appropriate gesture to the fallen victims but a reiteration that Islam is actually about the sanctity of life.

“Ten years ago, unfortunately, marks the worst introduction of Islam to a majority of America. It was a crime against humanity,” said Naseem Mahdi, vice president of the organization. “The terrorists used the name of Islam, but they did not have that right — Islam means peace and harmony.”

Since then, Ahmadiyya has worked to change perceptions of the Muslim community and has found in recent years that many people seem more educated about the religion. The blood drive, Mahdi said, will hopefully also serve as a chance to develop a relationship with various communities. To find a blood drive near you, go to https://www.muslimsforlife.org.

For a list of other 9/11 events in the Southland, please see Weekend events commemorate 9/11.

corina.knoll@latimes.com