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NEWS RELEASE
September 9, 2002
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Burbank Commemorates Patriot Day The Burbank City Council is inviting local residents to a special ceremony of remembrance in honor of Patriot Day. It will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2002, on the front steps of the Burbank Police-Fire Headquarters at the corner of Third Street and Orange Grove Avenue. With the theme "A Time to Remember," the Burbank ceremony will include a tolling of the bells, two minutes of silence, laying of wreaths of remembrance, and patriotic music. Those attending will have an opportunity to sign a giant postcard to New York City. "We believe it is important to observe this day that has changed the course of our nation’s history. The events will provide time for reflection and recognition of the heroes that have emerged from this horrific day as we move forward as a more tightly united nation," said Mayor David Laurell. At 7:05 a.m. (the time of the World Trade Center South Tower collapse), bells will ring for one minute from churches, schools and Fire stations throughout Burbank. This will be followed by a moment of silence. Four Memorial wreaths will be placed at The Guardians statue by Police Chief Tom Hoefel, representing Police officers; Fire Chief Mike Davis, representing Firefighters; Burbank Police Lt. Roger Mason (Air Force) and Police Officer Jim Peterson (Army) representing the military lost in the last year due to the September 11 th tragedy; and John Edmundsen, a retired 35-year Burbank employee who was a close friend of Dr. Yeneneh Betru. A physician at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Dr. Betru was killed in the plane that hit the Pentagon on September 11th.At 7:28 a.m. (the time of the WTC North Tower collapse) there will be a second tolling of the bells citywide, followed by another moment of silence. Burbank Police Commissioner Brooks Gardner will do several patriotic readings. Music will include Burbank resident/songwriter Larry Dunn singing "Healing of America," which he wrote following September 11 th. Lauren Frost will sing "Proud, Strong and Free." Cliff Beemis will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," then lead the crowd in singing "God Bless America." The ceremony will close with the Nicholson Pipes and Drums playing "Amazing Grace," followed by the release of 100 white doves.September 11 has been designated as Patriot Day nationwide in commemoration of the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks last year and the subsequent losses suffered at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, Sept 10, at the beginning of the 6:30 p.m. Burbank City Council meeting, there will be a moment of silence, the Public Information Office will air a video previewing the special programming planned for September 11th, and the John Burroughs High School Choir will sing "God Bless America." # # # |