The Bakersfield Fire and Police Departments held a memorial at Fire station Fifteen/Police Sub-Station in Southwest Bakersfield to honor the three-hundred and forty-three firemen who laid down their lives almost two decades ago. The service was held virtually.
Bakersfield Fired Department Chief, Anthony Galagaza said that it is because of those first responders that upwards of fourteen-thousand people survived the terrorist attacks on the world trade center.
"We must take time to take time on this September 11, not only to mourn, but reflect on the lessons we learned on the wake of that tragedy because while that sunny September morning was filled with loss and pain, it was also filled with courage and love and selflessness,” Galagaza said.
Congressman Kevin McCarthy said we must continue to honor the lives lost on 9/11, even during a pandemic.
“It is our moral obligation as free men and women. and nothing, not even COVID, will stop us from fulfilling that sacred duty. After nearly twenty years, I’m proud to say that America is closer to peace in the Middle East than ever before,” McCarthy said. Because if our men and women in uniform, the terrorists responsible for the September 11th are dead, or on the run.”
Bakersfield Harley-Davidson and the Armed Forces Support Ride also held a memorial for another group of first responders: veterans who fought in the wars following 9/11.
“Thousands upon thousands of men and women have stepped up since September 11, 2001 and answered the call, and did what they had to do, to make sure that doesn’t happen to us,” Ben Patten, Board of Directors Member of the Armed Forces Support Foundation, said. I’ve said it before, nobody flew a plane somewhere where somebody I love was yesterday, and it’s because of those young men and women.”
Civilians picked up carnations to place at the veteran’s memorial on Truxtun Avenue until 7:30 p-m. Hosting a seven-hour drive thru event was their way to commemorate the day while social distancing.
“Not doing the event at all was never a consideration,” Patten said. “September 11, 2001 is too significant of an event to bypass.”
You can watch more 9/11 memorials on our 23ABC Facebook page and digital streaming platforms, such as Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
