As Long Beach prepares to observe the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a citywide moment of silence is being organized for Thursday, Sept. 11. As detailed by the City of Long Beach in a recent press release, the commemoration will feature remarks from Mayor Rex Richardson and include a Last Alarm tribute alongside a wreath-laying ceremony. Residents are invited to observe the silence in memory of the lives lost on a day that has been seared into the national consciousness.
Kicking off just minutes before the exact time the first tower was struck, 9:11 a.m., the solemn proceedings will start at approximately 9:05 a.m. "Today we honor the thousands of innocent lives taken too soon, the brave first responders who gave everything to save others and the families who continue to carry on their legacies," Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement made by the City of Long Beach. Engulfed in remembering, the City implores its citizens to partake in this silent tribute to honor the victims and first responders from New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia.
Representing Long Beach's first line of defense, both Police Chief Wally Hebeish and Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan have expressed the importance of this day. "We will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others on 9/11," said Hebeish, recognizing the bravery that was exhibited on an unforeseen scale. Meanwhile, Buchanan reminded the Long Beach community of "the extraordinary courage of the first responders who served our nation on that day," as told by the City of Long Beach.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live across multiple platforms. The City’s Facebook, X, and YouTube pages will broadcast the event, along with the police and fire department’s social media channels. Long Beach Television will also provide coverage through its website, allowing the community to witness this historic moment together from their homes or offices.
