In a series of ceremonies hosted throughout Stanislaus County, first responders, city leaders and local residents took time to pause and remember on Friday morning, Sept. 11.
It was the 25th anniversary of the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and locally, there were observances at Station 26 in Riverbank, 3318 Topeka and at Fire Station 28, 325 E. G St., in Oakdale.
In Riverbank, the small ceremony saw a turnout of residents, firefighters and several members of the local Knights of Columbus organization.
Battalion Chief John Bairos asked those in attendance to observe a moment of silence for all of those that were lost during the attacks on Sept, 11, 2001.
Four planes were hijacked that day; two struck the Twin Towers in New York City, bringing them down and resulting in a tremendous loss of life, including 343 New York City firefighters who responded to the scene. A third plane struck the Pentagon and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. It never reached its intended target; passengers fought back against the hijackers and the plane went down.
In his remarks, Chief Bairos reminded everyone that the heroes of yesterday will never be forgotten. Their legacies, bravery and honor will live on forever.
The Riverbank event also included a flag ceremony, conducted by Deputy Chief Clint Bray.
Just a few miles away, Station 28 in Oakdale was also hosting a ceremony, with remarks from both Assistant Chief Andrew Hunter and Oakdale Mayor Cher Bairos. For the mayor, the ceremony and remembrance were even more personal, as her brother – Battalion Chief John Bairos – has made his career in the fire service, answering the call to protect and serve.
In addition to Oakdale and Riverbank taking part in the MST – Modesto-Stanislaus-Turlock –ceremonies in observance of the 25th anniversary, other programs that day were offered at Modesto Station 1, Turlock Station 31, and in Ceres.
The programs at each site began at 8:46 a.m., the time the North tower of the World Trade Center was struck by the first hijacked plane, a quarter century ago.
Reporter Kristi Mayfield and Editor Marg Jackson contributed to this story.
