Wednesday will mark the 18th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, which killed almost 3,000 people and stunned the world.
To commemorate 9/11 and honor the fallen, Beverly Hills will be holding two intimate ceremonies on Wednesday for the community to join together and honor those that lost their lives.
“We’re coming together for a cause that is far greater than any of us,” said Deputy Fire Chief Joe Matsch.
The City invites all uniformed personnel to gather in front of Fire Station-1 and begin lining up at 6:45 a.m. with the ceremony beginning promptly at 6:57 a.m. and concluding at 7:01 a.m. Matsch described previous morning ceremonies as very solemn, intimate events with first responders and those wanting to participate, including a dozen or so residents.
The morning ceremony will conclude with a moment of silence following the ceremonial ringing of the bell (three sets of five chimes) at 6:59 a.m. to mark the time when the first of the two Twin Towers fell.
The evening ceremony, from 5:30- 6 p.m., will likewise take place outside the Beverly Hills Fire Department, with traditional elements such as the laying of the wreath, an honor guard presentation, the ringing of the bell, and a musical tribute. In addition to the haunting sounds of bagpipes, alternating buglers will play “Taps” on top of the Library and Fire Station buildings.
“Every year this is a focal point for the community to come together,” Matsch said of the meaningful 9/11 sculpture that is displayed just outside the fire station.
“We have something in the community where we can grieve together and also celebrate,” he added.
Both community events are free and open to the public, with two-hour free parking available next to the Beverly Hills Public Library.
