This Saturday will mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks — one of the darkest days in our nation. Please take a moment this weekend to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 innocent souls we lost that day. Several local groups will pay their respects with 9/11 memorial events throughout the First District. Here are a few:
9/11 Memorial 5K Walk/Run, Concert & Fireworks: Helendale CSD is hosting a special tribute to our military and first responders lost on September 11th. The event will begin with a 9/11 Memorial 5K Walk/Run at 3 p.m. with Team RWB Ft. Irwin Chapter, followed by a concert at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Agencies participating include Helendale Fire Station 4, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Barstow Marine Corps, Army National Guard, and Edwards Air Force Base.
America the Free Concert at Horseman’s Center: Mourning Sun Children’s Foundation is hosting an “America the Free” fundraising event on Saturday in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.The event will take place at Horsemen’s Center Park in Apple Valley. Special tributes will be made to honor our military, fire and police personnel, and EMTs. The event will include cocktails, a car show and live music. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 p.m. For more information, email Info@mourningsunchildren.com or go to to Mourningsunchildren.org
9/11 Ceremony and United We Stand Memorial: Victor Valley College will host its annual 9/11 Ceremony on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The event will include guest speakers including San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus, San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey and Congressman Jay Obernolte. The college’s “United We Stand” 9/11 Memorial, located on the hillside outside the library, offers a touching tribute to those lost on September 11, 2001. Designed by student Joan Sowinski, the exhibit features 3,000 United States flags which will be on display through Tuesday, Sept. 14.
9/11 Memorial Car Show: The Apple Valley Lions Club will host its 5th annual car show in honor of Patriot Day and the victims of 9/11. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Apple Valley Inn, located at 20600 Highway 18. Registration is $25 ($20 for veterans), with proceeds benefiting the High Desert Lions Community Service Foundation.