Solemn campus ceremony observes 9/11 anniversary
INSPIRATION
IVC’s new Performing Arts Center had blue lights and white stars projected along the sides of the stage. Onstage was a wreath of red, white and blue flowers, and a large American flag served as the podium’s backdrop.
Irvine’s community joined together to remember the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, seven years later.
Among many guests was Irvine resident Pattie Trentini, whose parents, James and Mary, were aboard the first plane flown into the World Trade Center.
The audience also consisted of students, faculty, Irvine police officers, residents, several city council members and South Orange County Community College District Board members.
Master of ceremonies, SOCCCD Trustee, Tom Fuentes, led an invocation and introduced between police and firefighters.
“The true power against terrorists is this community, our community,” he said.
A moment of silence was then observed in honor of the more than 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11.
Orange County Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, also spoke.”We must acknowledge that they exist and that their aim is to destroy our freedom and democratic way of life,” Hutchens said. “This ceremony is important to honor our heroes, and the crowds presence speaks volumes to our collective commitment to never forget.”
The ceremony concluded with Tresler singing “God Bless America,” the audience joining him for the refrain.
Afterward, most of the crowd walked to the front of the Student Services Center to place the red, white, and blue wreath on IVC’s Sept. 11 memorial plaque.