Ceremony honors victims, heroes
By Yvonne Condes
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
SACRAMENTO -- Deena Burnett looked out at the throngs of firefighters, police officers and National Guardsmen gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday and challenged Americans to live a life worthy of those who died Sept. 11.
Burnett, a San Ramon mother of three young girls, lost her husband, Tom, on United Flight 93. She was among thousands of grieving family members and rescue workers honored Tuesday during California's Day of Remembrance, an event that drew about 6,000 people to the Capitol Mall.
As the state paid tribute to victims of the recent terrorist attacks, local firefighters unions presented checks worth $3 million for the families of fallen firefighters.
Burnett, speaking near the steps of the Capitol, spoke of the courage of her husband and others who rose up and gave their lives so others would be spared. Flight 93, commandeered by terrorists, crashed into a Pennsylvania field. Investigators credit the heroic actions of the passengers for preventing the jet from being turned into a weapon.
Americans should ask themselves, "Is the life I lead worth someone else dying for?" Burnett said.
With "Amazing Grace" played on saxophone in the background, Gov. Gray Davis handed California flags to relatives of those who died.
"On Sept. 11 freedom itself came under attack," he told the crowd.
Noting that passengers aboard Flight 93 made the decision to stand up and risk their lives, Davis wondered how many more people would have died had it not been for their courage.
"They paid a terrible price for our freedom, as much as any soldier in any war," he said. "They said they would die fighting so others would live, and that's exactly what they did."
No one knows how many lives they saved, but "Flight 93 was freedom's finest hour."
Californians honor all those who stand for what is good about America, "not just those we lost, but those who answered the call," Davis said.
Alice Hoglan, mother of Mark Bingham, who was also a passenger on Flight 93, said she has an answer to Osama Bin Laden's pronouncement that Americans have now tasted fear.
"Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face the enemy in spite of it," she said.
She urged Americans to stand with Davis and President Bush and seek justice, not revenge.
Americans must do what it must "to defend ourselves from villainy and terror," she said.
Lt. Doug Sloan, a New York City firefighter, spoke about the devotion of firefighters to protect lives and property. Three hundred forty-three firefighters lost their lives in the World Trade Center.
Sloan rang a fire bell for those who gave their lives.
"To our comrades. Their last alarm. They're going home."
The ceremony began with thousands of the state's finest, from Vallejo firefighters to Los Angeles police, marching in uniform up the Capitol Mall as spectators waved flags. Firetrucks and police cars blared sirens as the crowd waved signs reading, "We love our firefighters."
Bystanders hugged police officers, telling them how much they were appreciated.
Waving as the procession passed by, Linda Bucchioni of Sacramento said she thought those who risk their lives in public safety don't get enough recognition.
"They put their lives on the line every single day, and we never get to say thank you," she said. "This is our chance to say thank you. It's long overdue."
Gurpreet Singh and many members of the Sacramento Sikh Temple wore red, white or blue turbans and held up a sign that said "God Bless America."
Since the terrorist attacks, temple members have been harassed and shot at. Some have been accused of being followers of bin Laden and told to go back to Afghanistan.
Singh said he supports the firefighters and police officers.
The terrorists "killed 6,000 innocent people, plus they put us in a bad situation," he said. "We are doubly angry."
Gabriel Hurtado, a Marine reservist from Los Angeles, wore a "Proud to be an American" baseball hat. He and his wife, Kathy, watched the procession with their 15-month-old daughter.
"We've been wanting to show our support for the people of New York," he said. "This event makes you feel united. It makes you feel a part of it."
Staff writer Kristi Belcamino contributed to this story.
://www.contracostatimes.com/news/california/stories/remember_20011010.htm |
