9/11 Commemorative Services Planned In Temecula And Across Western Riverside County

TEMECULA, CA — Cities throughout western Riverside County — including Temecula — on Thursday will mark the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with flag ceremonies, patriotic reflections and other commemorative events.

At 6 p.m., Temecula will hold a commemorative service at the Duck Pond, near the corner of Rancho California and Ynez roads.

"This will be a reflection on the anniversary of September 11th, as we honor those who gave their lives to serve and protect," according to a municipal statement.

The mayor, public safety leaders and other members of the community are slated to be on hand.

At 5:30 p.m., Murrieta will hold a service in the Town Square Park Amphitheater, 11 Town Square, during which there will be a convocation, flag ceremony and remarks by Mayor Cindy Warren.

"All are welcome to attend this community gathering, as we reflect on the events of that day and remember the strength and unity that followed," the city stated.

In Corona, a remembrance service is slated for 5 a.m. Thursday in the Historic Civic Center at 815 W. Sixth St., where Corona Chamber of Commerce officials will be joined by city representatives and others to pay homage to the 2,977 people killed as a result of the terrorist acts.

Over a roughly three-hour period, attendees will read the names of all those confirmed killed.

Moments of silence and bell rings are scheduled to mark the exact times when hijacked airliners struck the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, and when a fourth crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The service is expected to continue until about 10 a.m.

In Riverside, a "Day of Remembrance Ceremony" is set for 8:45 a.m. at the Veterans' Plaza fronting City Hall, near the intersection of 10th and Main streets.

"City Councilman Jim Perry, police Chief Larry Gonzalez and fire Chief Steve McKinster (will) offer reflections," according to a city statement. "The ceremony will conclude with a moment of silence."

Around the same time Thursday, Mt. San Jacinto College will host a "Hero Climb," as part of a tribute to emergency personnel who responded to the World Trade Center. The event will be inside the college's stadium at the Menifee Valley satellite campus, 28237 La Piedra Road.

"This powerful event brings students together with local first responders to climb the equivalent number of stairs that our heroes did on 9/11," according to a campus statement. "It's a chance to reflect, honor and stand side-by-side with those who showed incredible courage and sacrifice."

—City News Service contributed to this report.