‘To remember.’ ‘To honor.’ Annual 9/11 event held at Sylvan Cemetery

By Mike Hazlip—
The annual 9/11 remembrance in Citrus Heights was held at Sylvan Cemetery on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

About 30 people gathered at the gazebo to hear from Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost and Pastor Tom Galovich. The City of Citrus Heights was represented by the city manager and Councilwoman Porsche Middleton. Members of Folsom Police, Citrus Heights Police, and the American Legion Post 637 also attended the event.

Galovich, who pastors at Valley View Church in Placer County, led the audience in a rendition of singing “God Bless America” before giving his remarks, thanking first responders for their service. Frost recounted where she was on the morning of the attack as she watched the events unfold.

“We cannot erase or forget what happened on 9/11; that’s why we gather to remember and to honor the heroes and victims,” Frost said, invoking God and the Bible as a basis for human rights. “In remembering and in honor of the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, we can live free, be well, enjoying every moment, and really just living life to the fullest. And then they will live on in our hearts.”

In his closing remarks, Galovich again thanked first responders and said he has several family members in law enforcement.

“Today, we stand here in solidarity with the people of New York City, the United States of America, as well as the victims, all victims of terrorism everywhere around the world,” Galovich said. “We commit ourselves to work together to uphold their rights and needs.”

In an interview with The Sentinel after the event, American Legion Post 637 spokesman Paul Reyes said it is important to remember the date.

“It’s something that was not expected, needless to say. But it happened. And we have to make sure that almost 3,000 people died, that day were not forgotten,” he said.

City Manager Ash Feeney emphasized the importance of events like the annual ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery to commemorate 9/11.

“It’s so important to come together as a community to remember that moment and also celebrate the peace and freedom that we still maintain, and never allow it to be taken away or diminished.”