SPPD Chief Bob Gonzales said that Santa Paula’s own would mirror the heroic acts of New York firefighters and police, and “would not hesitate to come to your aid and risk their lives for you.” Visiting Ground Zero, Chief Gonzales pinned his SPPD patch to a flag, “as a Santa Paulan and for you. . .”When he heard that a jet slammed into a WTC tower, “I thought it was an accident,” said SPFD Captain Glenn Aronowitz, but the second strike brought realization that America was under attack. As thousands fled the WTC, “as usual, the police and fire ran in,” without regard for their own safety. Terrorists, Cpt. Aronowitz noted, “Grossly underestimated the American spirit. . .”The Lighting of Candles was led by SPFD Chaplain Rev. Mike Slagle, who read a poem written by New York Fire Department Chaplain Mychal Judge, who was killed while administering the last rites to a fallen firefighter.The Bell Ceremony struck three times to honor civilians, police and military personnel and fire and rescue personnel who lost their lives, followed by “Amazing Grace,” led by the Rev. Dybvig.The Rev. Jose Vindel and the Rev. Slagle did a Scripture reading.Karen Baker, a Santa Paula-based psychotherapist who traveled to New York to work with survivors, told of her visit to Station 58, which lost all but one firefighter on 9/11. Visitors included the King of Jordan, who offered support and condolences. Baker told of one man who spoke of his brother killed in the attacks: “It brings me to tears and joy that he shared his brother with me, and now I share him with you. . .”“History has a way of numbering the significant days of our lives,” said the Rev. David McKeever, and, “9/11 will never be just an emergency phone number ever again. . .”The Rev. James Garceau led a prayer in Spanish, and the Rev. Carol Rudisill noted that citizens of 85 countries “from A to Z” lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks as she offered a prayer to all gods of all people. The Santa Paula Community Choir, Vineyard Worship Team and the Rev. James Flores - who offered the Benediction - closed the ceremony.
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Santa Paula Firefighter Gil Segovia rings the bell three times to honor civilians, police and military personnel, and fire and rescue personnel who lost their lives on 9/11 Photo by Don Johnson |
We Will Remember...9/11
September 13, 2002
9/11 Remembrance Service draws hundreds to Veterans Memorial Park
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesHundreds of Santa Paulans gathered at Veterans Memorial Park for the 9/11 Remembrance Service on Wednesday, where the crowd alternated between tears and cheers during the ceremony sponsored by The Santa Paula Ministerial Association and its friends.The Santa Paula Vineyard Church Worship Team staged a spirited concert leading up to the service, which drew formally staged Santa Paula Fire and Police personnel, as well Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 members who gathered at the Veterans and Korean War memorials under flags lowered to half-mast.“I just wanted to be somewhere where we could all remember,” the 9/11 terrorist attacks, said Cynthia Lopez of Santa Paula, whose husband was setting up chairs for the family. “I’m really pleased so many people are here tonight. . .we’re all in this together.”Over 3,000 people died when hijackers slammed commercial jets into the World Trade Center’s (WTC) Twin Towers and the Pentagon; the victims include the brave passengers who fought back, their jet crashing into a Pennsylvania field before a fourth target could be struck.Deacon Al Guilin first called for a moment of silence, and then said the gathering was to remember “Our brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia. We pray for justice, for healing and peace for everyone around the world. . .”The somber mood was broken when the crowd cheered as Santa Paula Airport pilots flew a Missing Man formation over the park, and some tears were seen as the “Missing Man,” symbolizing those who have passed on, broke away from the formation.“Violence and cruelty can have no part of our lives, and may those enemies forget their hatred and heal,” said Guilin. “I never thought good could come from 9/11, but it brought us together as a nation, as religions and as a community.”“Lord, make us instruments of Your peace,” said Father Chris Jubinski, who led the Invocation before the Rev. Ron Dybvig led the crowd in singing “The National Anthem.”Mayor Ray Luna remembered civilians who died 9/11, noting that the pit of Ground Zero in New York is “always in our memory,” along with the other locations where the innocent died. “America has suffered, but remains strong,” said Luna, who noted that many people of many origins died that day. Even in Santa Paula, “We are different but together. . .” reflecting the bonds of the greater United States.
