For more information, contact:
Rusty Kennedy, 714.567.7465
Executive Director, OCHRC
Or Peri Doshi-O'Neill, 714.567.5083
Board Chair calls
for September 11 Memorial Event
Santa Ana - Orange County will definitely
remember. A countywide observance will be held at noon
on September 11 in the Civic Center Plaza at Santa Ana
Boulevard and Broadway Streets in Santa Ana. Participants
will include the Board of Supervisors, Orange County Sheriff,
OC Fire Authority, OC Human Relations Commission, the
Veterans Service, and Living Room Dialogue participants
who will combine their efforts to commemorate those who
died in the 2001 September 11 terrorist attack in New
York City, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania countryside.
The public is invited to attend Orange County Remembers.
Religious leaders from various Orange County faiths will
also take part in the observance. So far, that group includes
Rabbi Bernie King, Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'a lot; Dr.
Muzammil Siddiqi; Islamic Society of Orange County; Bishop
Jaime Soto, Diocese of Orange; and Pastor John McReynolds,
Second Baptist Church.
The impetus for the memorial came out of a "Living
Room Dialogue" hosted by Fourth District Supervisor
Cynthia P. Coad. The OC Human Relations Commission has
sponsored these dialogues since last August at the request
of Supervisor Coad. The dialogues began prior to September
11 and brought together people from diverse groups to
enhance intercultural understanding. After the September
11 tragedy, the dialogues continued to build bridges among
diverse communities as individuals shared the impact of
the tragedy on their lives.
"Orange County Remembers is designed to send a clear
message for hope, remembrance and unity," said Coad,
Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
"Our freedom was challenged by the horrific tragedy
last September, but we did not turn to fear;. We have
come together stronger and more united, striving to build
safer, more inclusive communities in Orange County. And
that is the best way to remember all those who have perished,"
she said.
"Our freedom was challenged by the horrific tragedy
last September, but we did not turn to fear;. We have
come together stronger and more united, striving to build
safer, more inclusive communities in Orange County. And
that is the best way to remember all those who have perished,"
she said.
"We must work to create a world of love, peace and
justice. We never want to see any human being once again
become the victim of terrorism. We want to be vigilant
and not stand by when our neighbors are victims of hatred
and fear," said Dr. Siddiqi.
Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona and Fire Chief Chip
Prather will give the keynote addresses at the memorial.
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