Dear Friend --

This morning I had the honor of joining members from the Long Beach and Signal Hill community to honor those we lost twenty years ago on September 11. We gathered at the 9/11 Memorial in Signal Hill.

This will always be a day to uplift the memories of those killed in the attacks, and to stand in unity with the countless people whose lives were impacted by the devastation of that day. I also want to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders who risked their lives to get people to safety.

Our nation’s police officers, firefighters and military service members represent the highest level of bravery and patriotism. We owe them our gratitude and respect, and today especially I want to make sure they all know how much we appreciate their service and dedication.

As an educator, I also can’t help thinking of all the young people who only know about September 11 through stories, history classes and memorials like the one today. Though they didn't witness that awful day, we all live in a world that has been changed by its aftermath.

I hope that they not only learn this history but are also able to get a sense of the individual heroism of that day and the collective support for victims of terrorism that our nation showed in its aftermath.

May this memorial and this date always remind us of our strength, our unity, and the freedoms we enjoy.

Thank you,

Mayor Robert Garcia