Touching 2015 9-11 Remembrance

By Denise Rousset;                                                                         

In stifling heat on the evening on September 11, The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley along with local veterans’ organizations hosted their annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at the site of the All Wars Memorial in Oak Hill Park on Stone Valley Road in Danville. Hundreds of residents, Veterans, Police, Firefighters, and representatives from patriotic groups came to participate in this important remembrance event. Present among others were Mayors Mike Doyle, Danville, and Bill Clarkson of San Ramon. Danville Town Councilmembers present included Vice Mayor Karen Stepper, Newell Arnerich and Robert Storer.

The Keynote Speaker was Bert Upson, a survivor of the World Trade Center attack who was located on the 78^th floor of the South Tower at the moment the first plane hit the North Tower. The crowd was rapt as Upson described his first hand experience of immediate action and ensuing mayhem. It was a moving presentation that seemed to affect everyone present. Following his presentation, Upson also signed copies of his book, “On a Clear Day—An Eyewitness Account” about the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.

 

Guest speakers included Mayors Mike Doyle, and Bill Clarkson, Past President of the Exchange

Club of the San Ramon Valley Karen Stepper, Exchange Club President Richard Price, and

Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Anderson, and Paige Meyer, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s fire Chief.

Music was provided by the Police and Fire Dept. Honor Guard Pipes and Drums, and the San Ramon Valley High School Chamber Singers. Numerous Scouting troops were present with

their Array of American Flags. A wreath was placed at the All Wars Memorial.

Following the event a picnic was provided for attendees. This event is well worth coming out for, even on a day as hot as this year’s ceremony. It serves to remind everyone that the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center only brought Americans together stronger as a nation and that those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.

 

  9-11, All wars Memorial, AWM, CA, Danville, Exchange Club, Oak Hill Park, Remembrance