A community remembers 9/11
Molly Shore
On the second anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the
Burbank community will get the opportunity to pause and reflect.
Several observances commemorating Sept. 11, 2001 -- designated as
Patriot Day in the U.S. -- will take place throughout the city
Thursday.
The Burbank City Council will observe the day with “A Time to
Remember, a 7 a.m. ceremony on the front steps of the Burbank Police
and Fire headquarters at the corner of Third Street and Orange Grove
Avenue.
Because last year’s local observance of Patriot Day offered solace
to so many people, City Manager Mary Alvord said it was important to
reprise.
“It’s a way to feel centered and as a community recommit to the
values that America stands for,” Alvord said. “For all of us, it’s
still a very fresh memory that I just don’t think we should walk away
from.”
Police Chief Tom Hoefel, Assistant Fire Chief Norm Stockton, World
War II veteran Frederick D. “Dusty” Worthen and Mayor Stacy Murphy
each will place wreaths at the base of the Guardians sculpture in
front of the building.
The ceremony will include a tolling of the fire department bell
and a moment of silence along with patriotic readings and songs.
The occasion will close with Nicholson Pipes and Drums playing
“Amazing Grace,” followed by the release of 100 white doves.
“We’re hoping that it’s a wonderful community event that people
will attend before they go to work or take the kids to school,” said
Recreation Supervisor Kristen Smith, a member of the city’s Patriot
Day coordinating committee.
A second ceremony beginning at 9:10 a.m. will be at Memorial Field
on the campus of John Burroughs High School, 1920 Clark Ave. Burbank
Police Capt. Janice Lowers and Fire Capt. Jess Talamantes, both
Burroughs alumni, will be recognized for dedicating their lives to
public service, Principal Emilio Urioste said.
Families are invited to attend “A Celebration of Freedom” from 7
to 8 p.m. outdoors at the Buena Vista Library, 300 N. Buena Vista
St.
Burbank Police Officer Dan Turpin will lead the audience in the
pledge of allegiance, followed by the husband-and- wife team of Ron
Daigh and Sandii Castleberry-Daigh singing patriotic songs.
“What [the city] decided was it would begin the day with a
ceremony and end the day with a celebration,” library assistant Joan
Cappocchi said.