Ceremony at California 9/11 Memorial remembers victims of terror attacks

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thursday marks 24 years since one of our country's darkest days.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

In Clovis, hundreds gathered at the California Memorial for the largest remembrance ceremony outside of New York.

"You remember where you were, and you remember it just like it happened yesterday," says John Brothers, Retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief.

Pageantry, patriotism, and solemn strength were on full display.

Crowds gathered at the California 9/11 memorial in Clovis to remember the deadliest assault on U.S. soil, which killed 404 first responders along with thousands of civilians.

At exactly 8:46, a 9-11 dispatch marked when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

"The World Trade Center tower number 1 is on fire [...] send every available ambulance everything you've got to the world trade center now," said the 9-1-1 dispatcher.

As the flag was brought to half-staff, Action News Anchor Margot Kim sang the national anthem.

Law enforcement stood shoulder to shoulder along with firefighters and all branches of the military.

From Police officers on horseback to wreaths brought on fire engines, the ceremony embodied the unity on that harrowing day and bravery of the fallen heroes.

"I was overwhelmed. I thought it was an incredible experience as everybody we were all weeping," says Shelley Fetterman, Ceremony Attendee.

Erik Ronningen, a survivor, spoke about his experience on that terrifying day. He was on the 71st floor of the north tower when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building.

"The carnage and the debris were indescribable. There was paper and cardboard and furniture, and it looked like a nuclear winter. The paper and the debris were just floating down," says Ronningen.

People of different generations and backgrounds were in attendance, including Adrian Hilario, who was just 18 months old at the time.

Hilario tells Action News its the responsibility of the youth to ensure the day is never forgotten.

"It was a day where we as a country, put aside our differences and decided to come together for a much bigger cause," says Hilario.

The moving memorial even brought tears to the eyes of pro golfer and Clovis Native Bryson DeChambeau.

"That faithful day, 24 years ago, is still heavy and deep in our hearts, and we care deeply about the people that gave their lives to protect our country," says Dechambeau.

As the stars and stripes waved in the wind, a sense of profound pride for a country that rose from the ashes.

"It means that we're still alive and we're still going and yes, it happened, but it didn't stop us," says Jim Powroznik, Ceremony Attendee.

September 11, 2001, a day this country will never forget.

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