San Antonio community commemorates 9/11

September 12, 2011
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Camacho_9/11Memorial — Members of the Armed Forces at the 9-11 Memorial at the New Life Christian Center located at 6610 Hwy 90 in San Antonio, Texas. The wreaths commemorate those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

By Joe Camacho

Sunday marked the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. Services were held at the site of the attacks and in smaller gatherings across the country, including San Antonio where more than 200 community members, policemen, fire fighters and members of the Armed Forces gathered at a commemoration service at the New Life Christian Center 9/11 memorial site.The 10,000 square foot memorial was first dedicated in 2003. The memorial consists of four structures, each carrying a symbolic meaning tied to buildings lost or damaged in the attacks. The two ascending and descending walls symbolize the north and south towers of the world trade centers with the main rear wall represents the Pentagon.

The obelisk structure stands 35 feet tall with an “eternal flame” burning at the the top, representative of United Airlines Flight 93 which crash landed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The International Community Development Corporation (ICDC) boasts that the memorial was the first of its kind to be dedicated in the United States.

“Ten years and we still remember what happened,” said Dr. LaSalle Vaughn, pastor of the New Life Christian Center, speaking to the crowd seated at the commemoration.

Vaughn was joined by a platform of guests including State Rep. John Garza (R-Helotes) and Fire Chief William Pavliska.

The wreath-laying ceremony and a rifle salute paid tribute to the lives lost during, and since the attacks. Five wreaths were dedicated to all branches of the Armed Forces, police officers and firefighters.

“This tribute is an act of love,” said ICDC representative Peter Onofre.

Families in attendance joined together and waved American flags. The ceremony closed with a performance of “God Bless America.”

About the Author

Joseph Camacho

Joseph Camacho is the Multimedia Editor for The Mesquite. Previously, he served as the Mesquite’s Managing Editor and as a member of A&M-San Antonio’s Student Media Board. He has worked as a camera operator and student intern with NowcastSA.com and freelances as an audio/video engineer for local musicians and documentary filmmakers. He is a 2000 Southside High School graduate, attended Palo Alto College and served as a U.S. Marine. He is the father of two children, ages 3 and 7.