On Wednesday, September 11, Santa Monica firefighters honored three local residents, Dennis and Melissa Eagleson and Anne Grosso, for maintaining a 9/11 memorial.
The area surrounding the Fire department sign at fire station #3 became a spot where local people left items commemorating the lives lost in the terrorist attacks. Within a few days of the attacks last year, three neighbors began caring for the display, which includes items such as flowers, cards, artwork, candles and stuffed animals. Not only did the Eaglesons and Grosso maintain the display, they also talked with people who stopped by and helped the community to heal.
Captain Mark Bridges and the firefighters of station #3 invited the residents for dinner, and personally prepared a meal of prime rib and chicken picatta. Fire Chief Ettore Berardinelli welcomed and thanked the guests, who were also presented with a plaque recognizing their efforts.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 23, 2002. Read the original PDF.