Simi Valley, police to hold 9/11 observance

Source: Ventura County Star

Simi Valley, police to hold 9/11 observance

The city of Simi Valley and its Police Department will host a ceremony observing the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks Monday.

"We wanted to recognize the fifth-year anniversary of the attacks," said Lt. John McGinty, who is working with the city to plan the observance of the attacks. Patriot Day also will be observed.

This will be the first time Simi Valley will hold such a ceremony at the police station, 3901 Alamo St. It will start at 8:30 a.m. Free parking is available.

The ceremony will include remarks by Mayor Paul Miller and Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Moorpark. At 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center, the Police Department's color guard will lower the flag to half-staff. A moment of silence will be observed for those who perished, their families and the efforts of fire and police personnel and citizens who came together in the aftermath of the attacks.

Organizers are hoping to draw at least 100 people. The public is invited to join members of the City Council and representatives from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, the Simi Valley Unified School District and the Ventura County Fire Department.

Simi Valley also is hosting its first "America Supports Freedom Walk" on Monday to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and to honor troops and veterans. The 1.8-mile walk will begin in the courtyard of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum at 5 p.m. An opening ceremony will include a Marine Corps League color guard and the walkers — organizers are hoping for at least 1,000. Shuttles are available for those who can't navigate the one-mile hill, and the walk will continue to Rancho Madera Community Park. The event is sponsored by Military Connection and the Reagan Library. The first 750 people who register for the walk will get a free Freedom Walk T-shirt and an American flag. To register, visit http://www.militaryconnection.com or call 306-0580.

Also, for the entire month of September, the Reagan Library will accept small gifts to be shipped to members of the armed services overseas. Small bins in the lobby have been set out for this purpose. The library is looking for such items as trail mix, peanuts, gum, hard candy and beef jerky; snacks that are not heat sensitive and will not melt in hot temperatures; individual packets of lemonade or other drinks for water bottles; CDs and DVDs; used video games; AA batteries; stationery and postage stamps and pre-paid phone cards. Please do not donate hygiene items. For more information, call 522-2977.