IVC Commemorates 9-11 Terrorist Attacks and our First Responders
Irvine Police Chief David L. Maggard Jr. addresses the 9/11 audience
‘Come one, come all’ the Irvine Town Crier would say to the loyal crowd of people who joined in on today’s yearly 9/11 celebration hosted by Irvine Valley College.
Diane Oaks , IVC Director of Public Information and Marketing, said about this event, “We want to always remember the first responders that saved so many lives on that momentous day of 9-11. And at the same time we want to acknowledge the men and women right here, our police and fire workers, who protect our lives and property every day. We honor service to all across the U.S.”
From young to old, people to pets, dozens of people filled the IVC Theater for the Performing Arts at noon to remember and honor the American lives lost on September 11, 2011, as well as to celebrate and send love to their families, veterans and all local first responders including police.
Mirjam Meili, an IVC student, said, “I am here because I almost lost a dear family friend on 9-11 and my friend, Daniel Lewis, and I want to show our gratitude for everyone involved in helping that day. We want to remember and show our support.”
The occasion was opened by Will Glen, Chief of Police for Irvine Valley College and a Color Guard honored the stage and our veterans with a presentation of flags while a slide show portrayed the unity of the people of the United States of America.
Highlights included several city officials including Sukhee Kang, Mayor of Irvine, Sandra Hutchens, Orange County Sheriff, as well as Irvine Police Chief David L. Maggard Jr. and Chief Keith Richter of Orange County Fire Authority.
“I would like to hear some dialog about forgiveness,” Christopher Lawson, a Saddleback College and Cal State Fullerton alumni, said of what he would like to hear the President say today.
“As a nation, of course we will never forget 9-11 – but as time continues, it seems like everyone could benefit from hearing more about forgiveness in order to further foster the healing of our nation and those who still grieve for their loved ones. As a nation, forgiveness is a gift we can give ourselves.”
He is not alone in the sentiment of wanting to help the U.S. people heal.
Among the audience was Jamaal Diwan, the Resident Scholar of the Islamic Center of Irvine and his wife Muslema Purmul. Jamaal said he attended the ceremony, “For the same reason that everyone else is here. We want to remember the lives lost on 9-11 and the heroes that took part in their rescue. Our heart goes out to all of their families and loved ones.”
The Islamic Center of Irvine can be found at www.icoi.net.
People of all backgrounds joined together in remembrance of the 11-year anniversary of 9-11.