City, county ceremonies honor 9/11, firefighters

The city of Fallon will honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, during a ceremony tomorrow on Patriots Day, while Churchill County pays homage to firefighters at a special dedication later that day.

Thirteen years ago, terrorists hijacked four jet airliners and used two of them to bring down the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, while another one flew into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The fourth passenger jet never made it to its intended target when it crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers overwhelmed the hijackers.

Almost 3,000 people including those on the four-passenger jets died on that day.

“It’s important for us to remember 9/11 and the people who lost their lives that day,” Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. said. “It’s important for us to remember the firemen, military men and women and the policemen that have lost their lives too. It’s an important day for our community and we need to remember this day in a dignified manor.”

Tedford said the 10 a.m. ceremony behind City Hall, which is open to anyone, remembers and honors the people who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Tedford said Gov. Brian Sandoval, who has attended the past three remembrance days, will be the guest speaker. Jennifer Dove, who is assigned to Naval Air Station Fallon, will lead the audience in the singing of the national anthem, and Lissa Overlie will sing Amazing Grace. The Navy JROTC color guard from Churchill County High School will represent the colors, and a ceremonial team consisting of veterans will conduct a 22-gun salute followed by the playing of Taps.

“Fallon is a strong military town, with a strong military presence and we are very patriotic,” Tedford said. “9/11 is a reminder to us all why our military and first responders need to be trained and supported. Terrorism isn’t gone. We can’t let terrorism beat us, we need to be united as one and support those on the front lines.”

To conclude the remembrance, first response personnel followed by the public will lead a procession to place flowers on the 9/11 and War on Terror memorials. A small fragment of a steel beam from the Trade Center is also embedded in the memorial.

Churchill County will also be honoring the first responders of present and past on Thursday at the Churchill County Administration Building.

Julie Guerrero, executive secretary to the county manager, said a wall dedication will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tedford will read a proclamation and he and county commissioner Carl Erquiaga will present the proclamation.

“We are dedicating a 25-foot wall located in our main corridor to the Federal Fire Department of NAS Fallon and the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department,” Guerrero said. “Two volunteer fire fighters are professional photographers and collaborated with each other to put together an art display for the wall. Our community is blessed to have such outstanding men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others and keeping our community safe.”

Guerrero said both fire chiefs will be present and fire fighters are welcome to join.

In addition to the wall dedication, the county will be celebrating CC Communications’ 125 birthday and local artist in the community with the Celebrate Us project Thursday night.

“We will be celebrating CC Communications birthday with singing and a birthday cake,” Guerrero said. “There will also be a display that shows how communications has grown over the years. For the Celebrate Us project many of the artist that have had work displayed in the building will be present for a meet and greet.”

Guerrero said appetizers and refreshments will be provided.

“This event is meant for the public,” Guerrero said. “It’s a great way to show case local talent and to get their names out into the community. It’s a night where we can celebrate 125 years of great service to Churchill County from CC Communications and a night to remember and show appreciation to those who lost their lives because of 9/11 and the first-responders.”