Fairhaven Memorial Park hosted an early Patriot Day event on Friday, Sept. 9, with a 2,200 Steps Walk & Remembrance for this year’s 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The 2,200 steps represents the 110 flights of stairs first responders faced as they rushed to try to rescue people at the top of the World Trade Center, organizers said. Community members walked a mile loop through the cemetery to represent the stairs. There was also a short ceremony.
A small crowd takes part in the 2,200 Steps walk on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks. The steps represent the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Taps is play by Damon Machado in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, on Friday, September 9, 2022, as it holds a 2,200 Steps Walk and ceremony representing the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ric Olsen, a pastor and chaplain for the Orange City Fire Department speaks during a 2,200 Steps walk and ceremony at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana on Friday, September 9, 2022, in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks. The 2,200 steps represents the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Amazing Grace is played on the bagpipes by Darrell Calvillo of Crestline in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, on Friday, September 9, 2022, as it holds a 2,200 Steps Walk and ceremony representing the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The American flag is raised by the members of the Orange County Fire Authority Truck 75 in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, on Friday, September 9, 2022, as it holds a 2,200 Steps Walk and ceremony representing the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A small crowd stands as Taps is played in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, on Friday, September 9, 2022, as it holds a 2,200 Steps Walk and ceremony representing the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A small crowd gathers in remembrance of the people killed in the September 11 attacks at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, on Friday, September 9, 2022, as it holds a 2,200 Steps Walk and ceremony representing the 110 flights of stair firefighters climbed to reach the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Remembrances are planned around Orange County on Sunday; here are some of the events where community members will gather to honor the thousands who died and pay tribute to the first responders.
Huntington Beach: A ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 133 will be held at 4 p.m. at City Hall on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Irvine: The Orange County Fire Authority will hold its annual remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday at its Regional Fire Operation and Training Center in Irvine. A moment of silence will be held to honor the victims of the attack and pay tribute to the rescuers and the agency’s honor guard will lead a bell-ringing ceremony. You can also watch online at Facebook.com/OCFireAuthority.
Mission Viejo: The city will host a “simple and reflective” ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded. It will be held at Applegate Park between Fire Station 31 and Florence Joyner Park. Chairs or picnic blankets to sit on are encouraged.
Rancho Santa Margarita: The city, along with local scout troops, will be hosting its annual Patriot Day Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday in the city’s Civic Plaza, 22232 El Paseo. The ceremony will include remarks by Mayor Anne Figueroa and U.S. Representative Young Kim, along with a musical tribute by the Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair.
Yorba Linda: The Richard Nixon Foundation will host a commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday that will include remarks by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. The Villa Park Band and the OC Master Chorale will perform. The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum is at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda: Join the Interfaith Council of North Orange County for “Light the Darkness – Embracing One Another with Kindness” at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Jessamyn West Park, 19115 Yorba Linda Blvd. Keynote speakers will be Yorba Linda Mayor Carlos Rodriquez and Emily Hanson and three local youths will address the audience representing various faiths. There will be a candle-lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. and the Esperanza High School Vocal Ensemble will perform throughout the evening.
