San Quentin Inmates, Staff Honor The Fallen

This article was written by Arnulfo Garcia of San Quentin State Prison.

San Quentin marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation by suspending its programs in honor of the lives lost and in remembrance to correctional officers lost in the line of duty.

“This event brings all staff together not only to remember the victims and families of 9/11 — but to honor the 13 staff members who lost their lives in the line of duty, at San Quentin,” said prison staff member, Hiedi Brown.

At 9 a.m. on Sept. 12, San Quentin’s honor guard commenced with a raising and lowering of the flag at the Memorial Flagpole, which was accompanied by a trumpeter playing Amazing Grace.

This was a rare moment when both prisoners and staff conducted themselves uniformly as the prisoner firefighters, and the honor guard saluted the raising and lowering of the American flag.

California Correctional Peace Officer’s Association president, Frank McNeal presented the Memorial wreath followed by a brief message about 9/11 by acting Warden Mike Martel.

Muslim Imam Quazi Kawsar Hossain gave a brief message and prayer citing Islamic customs. Hossain said, “That there is a tradition in Islam where the Prophet Mohammad, said, ‘All of creation is the family of God.’ So those who are most beloved to God are those who are best to his family. Those who harm the creation, those that cause injury upon his creation, cannot be beloved to God.”

“I reflect on this incident, and look at the devastation and destruction that was the result of this. The people thought that it was right but they didn’t take the time to ask themselves is this right with Allah,” Hossain concluded.

After 30 seconds of silence, the San Quentin fire engines sounded their sirens for 30 seconds.

Acting Warden Martel gave a brief message honoring San Quentin’s fallen staff. Martel said, “These members served proudly with honor and will never be forgotten.”

After a moment of silence, the prison walls boomed with fire engines sirens, followed by a ringing of the prison count bell 13 times in remembrance of the 13 fallen employees. In addition, to mark the respect and honor to all of the Americans who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice, correctional officers fired a 21-gun salute from a gun rail overlooking the ceremony.

The services concluded at 9:45 a.m. with a rendition of Taps by the honor guard, where the prison resumed its normal program.