Today marks the 24th anniversary of the day Americans watched the World Trade Center’s twin towers collapse in an attack that would prompt wars overseas and sweeping security changes at home, like the creation of the Transportation Security Administration and major shifts in national policy.

Nearly 3,000 people died in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. More than 6,000 individuals were injured.

President George W. Bush proclaimed Sept. 11, 2002 as the first observance of Patriot Day to honor lives lost. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed legislation officially designating Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Here are a few remembrance ceremonies happening in Orange County today.

Yorba Linda

The Nixon Library is offering an indoor remembrance ceremony featuring a performance by the OC Fire Authority pipes and drums, presentation of Colors and performances from the Villa Park High School Band, OC Master Choral and Orange High School Chamber Singers. 

Attendees will also hear remarks by OC Sheriff Don Barnes, OC Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, and Lieutenant Colonel Grant Williams, USMC (Ret.).

The ticket to the ceremony does not include admission into the museum galleries.

When: July 12, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886

For more details, contact the library at (714) 993-5075

Fullerton

Join the Fullerton Fire Department for a remembrance ceremony at the home of Fullerton resident Scott Townley – where he and his family have hosted a memorial at their home with flags, crosses, photos and displays for years.

When: September 11, 9:00 a.m. 

Where: 863 N. Woods Ave., Fullerton, CA

For more details, contact the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500

Irvine

Join the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) at their operations and training center for a ceremonial bell-ringing and access to their 9/11 Memorial – a 1,300-pound steel beam from Tower 2 of the World Trade Center – alongside speeches from Fire Chief Brian Fennessy and OCFA Board Chair Phil Bacerra.

The event will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

When: September 11, 8:30 a.m.

Where: 1 Fire Authority Rd., Irvine, CA 92602

For more details, contact the Captain Sean Doran at (714) 357-7782     

Huntington Beach

Join American Legion Post 133 and the City of Huntington Beach in honoring the victims and heroes of Patriot Day with a ceremony at Pier Plaza. The event includes a moment of silence, a rifle salute by the police department honor court and remarks from city officials.

When: September 11, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Pier Plaza and Amphitheater, 401 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

For more details, contact American Legion Post 133 commander Jim Ghormley at (562) 355-7223 or e-mail at huntingtonbeachpost133@gmail.com

Rancho Santa Margarita

Pay tribute alongside local servicemembers and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita at a Patriot Day commemoration ceremony in Civic Center Plaza. 

When: September 11, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Civic Center Plaza, 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita

For more details, contact the City of Rancho Santa Margarita at (949) 216-9700

Mission Viejo

Attend a brief remembrance ceremony at newly opened Fire Station 24 as the City of Mission Viejo gathers for Patriot Day to honor and remember the lives lost on Sept. 11.

Attendees must park at the Mission Viejo Marketplace and walk to the station, as no parking will be available at Fire Station 24.

When: September 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: 25862 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA, 92692

For more details, contact Mission Viejo Recreation and Community Services at (949) 459-6094

If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org

For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.