Remembering the past to help shape the future was the central theme today as hundreds gathered for the Nixon Foundation’s annual 9/11 commemoration. First responders and other public servants were among the members of the community gathered for the twenty-second anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Robert Cordobes delivered remarks that paid tribute to heroes of 9/11 while reflecting on the enduring impact of that day.
Sheriff Barnes noted, “I continue to be so grateful to the Nixon Foundation for helping Orange County keep the vow to never forget by holding this ceremony each year.”
As a member of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 1, Captain Cordobes was assigned to Ground Zero in the immediate response, arriving the day after the attacks and conducting search and rescue operations for eleven days. He shared his firsthand account of the recovery efforts and encouraged the audience to think about how they can make a difference.
Special patriotic music was provided by the OCFA Pipes and Drums, OC Master Chorale, the Orange High School Chamber Singers and the Villa Park High School Band. The ceremony concluded with the somber ringing of the “Final Alarm” by the Orange County Fire Authority Honor Guard to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Watch here:
USMC Color Guard
OCFA Pipes and Drums
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy
LAFD Captain Cordobes
Ringing of the “Final Alarm” by OCFA Honor Guard