LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Remembrance ceremonies were held across Southern California Friday to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
At LAX, a ceremony to honor the lives that were lost was held at 5:46 a.m., the exact moment the first plane struck the north tower at the World Trade Center in New York City.
The ceremony included a moment of silence and a Transportation Security Authority employee’s rendition of “America The Beautiful.”
All four of the planes hijacked in the 9/11 attacks were supposed to land in California that day. Three of them were destined for LAX. Some 120 commercial flights were grounded at the airport that day.
The tragedy prompted the establishment of the TSA.
“We’ve gone from a one-size-fits-all approach security approach, where everyone got screened the same, to more of risk-based security approach,” said TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages.
Back in 2001, Pantages actually started in uniform and was part of the first TSA class federalized.
“Our duty is to keep the traveling public safe, keep transportation going and, you know, to really honor the lives that were lost.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore joined other public safety officials today at the LAFD’s 25th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
The Friday ceremony at the LAFD Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, 1700 Stadium Way, included LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and Los Angeles County Fire Deputy Chief Robert Harris.
The ceremony included the ringing of the “10-Bells,” bagpipers and a helicopter flyover.
Other observances were planned Friday at schools, fire stations, city halls and memorials throughout the county.
The ceremonies will marked a quarter-century since 19 al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners on Sept. 11, 2001, carrying out the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history.
Two planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse, while a third struck the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members attempted to regain control from the hijackers.
A total of 2,977 victims were killed, including 343 New York City firefighters, 37 Port Authority police officers and 23 New York police officers.
The attacks led to sweeping changes in U.S. aviation security and foreign policy and prompted the United States to launch military operations in Afghanistan less than a month later.
Carson will hold a 25th anniversary tribute from 4 to 6 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, 701 E. Carson St. Acting Assistant Fire Chief Wade Kelsey will deliver the keynote address, and the city will recognize a dozen local residents for community service.
In Beverly Hills, Friday evening will also mark the beginning of Rosh Hashana at the Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd.
Jill Pila, whose husband, Jim Gartenberg, was killed at the World Trade Center, will speak during an 8 p.m. service with Rabbi David Baron. Pila’s daughter, Nicole Gartenberg Pila, who was 2 1/2 years old when her father was killed, will accompany her.
And a day after the anniversary, first responders and their families will gather Saturday at the Rose Bowl, where an on-field flag ceremony before UCLA’s 4:15 p.m. football game against San Diego State will honor those who responded to the Sept. 11 attacks.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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