City churches holding their own Sept. 11 vigils
While some Santa Monicans may feel the need to remember the tragic events of Sept. 11 privately, the city and a host of community organizations have planned events to bring residents together.
Wednesday is chock full of vigils, prayer services and observances from sunrise to sunset. An early morning gathering is planned by the Santa Monica Bay Interfaith Council at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier beginning at 6:45 a.m.
The Santa Monica Fire Department will hold tributes at each of the city’s four fire stations beginning at 7 a.m., in conjunction with ceremonies being held at fire stations throughout the nation that morning. Neighbors of the fire stations are invited to walk over to participate with the men and women of the Santa Monica Fire Department in a brief, solemn flag ceremony and tolling of bells.
Fire stations are located at 1444 7th St., 222 Hollister, 1302 19th St. and 2405 Ashland Ave.
The largest event of the day will begin at 7 p.m. on the south side deck of the Santa Monica Pier. The event is organized by the Santa Monica Bay Interfaith Council and co-sponsored by the City of Santa Monica. Music by the New Directions choir will begin the ceremonies, followed by tributes to emergency responders by the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments, as well as a tribute to survivors. There will be special readings by community members, silence in memory of those who lost their lives, and a closing ceremony of remembrance and hope.
Parking is available in Lot 1 north of the pier, located at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway. Big Blue Bus lines 1, 7 or 10 serve the pier, which is wheelchair accessible.
There also will be a small gathering outside City Hall at noon on Wednesday. Members of Santa Monica’s residential and business communities who find themselves in the Civic Center area mid-day are invited to gather with City Hall and county courthouse staff in front of City Hall, 1685 Main St., at noon for a ceremony.
Santa Monica’s Fire and Police Departments will participate and a vocal tribute will precede a moment of silence.
A silent vigil is planned at Palisades Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by the Interfaith Council.
Santa Monica CityTV Channel 16 is producing “Santa Monica Remembers September 11,” with a wide range of Santa Monicans sharing their thoughts about 9-11, how the tragedy affected them, the local community and the nation. The program will air all day, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Channel 16.
At Santa Monica College, a student will play “Taps” and a moment of silence will be observed at 10:28 a.m., the time when the second World Trade Center tower collapsed. The event will be held at the college’s clocktower, where a banner will be available all day for people to sign and then sent to New York where a group of similar banners will be displayed.
The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum will present “In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01” on Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the museum, located at 1539 Euclid St.
The program includes former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his staff reflecting on their first realization of the attacks and what ensued in the following days. The film draws on unprecedented access to New York’s City Hall, and video from more than 100 people in and around New York City, much of which has not been seen.
Check with your local church or the Salvation Army as they also are planning ceremonies on Wednesday.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 10, 2002. Read the original PDF.