"They really have some meaningful pieces that really are close to my heart," said retired New York firefighter Andy Isolano.
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The 9/11 memorial in Clovis near Schneider Electric is celebrating a new beginning, one honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001.
The California 9/11 Memorial Foundation unveiled the first phase of their expansion.
"We need to honor the past, educate the kids and remember," said Clovis Fire Capt. Jim Stemler.
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A miniature granite-clad version of the Twin Towers now stands tall. On the opposite side, a fountain of the Pentagon similar to the one at ground zero. The names of the fallen are inscribed on each.
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The spot where they are constructed is also significant.
"They have it set so that that sun hits at a specific time and a shadow will be cast on the firefighters right at 8:46 in the morning and the sun will shine on the side of the pentagon that was hit," Isolano said.
First responders are also being honored. Under the towers sits a bronze statue of two firefighters titled, "Answering the Call."
"It is one of only ten in the nation and the only one in California," Capt. Stemler said.
Isolano was a first responder during the attack 18 years ago.
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He says the expansion is monumental and hopes it's a place people can gather and come together.
"We wish every day could be 9/12 because on 9/12 this country came together and now 18 years later it is not quite 9/12 anymore," he said.
Phase two will include more statues of first responders.
Wednesday the largest 9/11 memorial gathering in the West Coast will be held in Clovis. It starts at 8:30 they'll have a second ceremony at 3:30 in the afternoon.