Thank you for Joining our 9/11 Day of Remembrance
Senator Dave Cortese, Senate District 15
Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen
Hello,
On behalf of my Senate Office and County of Santa Clara Sheriff Robert Jonsen, we thank those who joined our 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony and Reception on Sunday, Sept. 10, in front of the Sheriff’s Office Building.
On this 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we gathered to honor the nearly 3,000 people and heroes whose lives abruptly ended that day: the 343 New York Firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 8 EMT paramedics. We also recognize the first responders who continue to die from the effects of cancerous chemicals. We honor the families and friends of the deceased who hold onto their memories, their stories, and their collective spirit. I was proud to stand with local public safety and officials during our Sunday remembrance.
In particular, I would like to thank:
- Mike Hennessy and Ret. Col Ray Watts for co-hosting and emceeing the ceremony.
- County of Santa Clara Sheriff Robert Jonsen and his Sheriff’s Office staff for coordinating event logistics, including its Honor Guards, raising the flag at half-staff, and the ceremonial Taps.
- Candyce Hoaglan, for attending and sharing with us the memory of her nephew, Mark Bingham, a 9/11 victim. Mark was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 who, along with others, devised a plan to regain control of the aircraft from hijackers. He took the lead in executing this plan, which ultimately resulted in the plane crashing into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Assemblyman Ash Kalra, Supervisor Cindy Chavez, and County EMS Director Jackie Lowther for sharing what 9/11 signifies to them and to local communities now.
- Most Reverend Bishop Oscar Cantu of the Diocese of San Jose for providing the ceremonies invocation and benediction.
- Gilroy Police Youth Explorer and violinist Reyna Padron for performing the National Anthem and Amazing Grace.
- County of Santa Clara Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew and City of San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien Jr. for tolling the bell for each 9/11 victim with roots to Santa Clara County, followed by a one-minute moment of silence for all the victims, first responders and their surviving families.
In addition, I would like to thank and formally acknowledge the local elected officials and dignitaries present in the audience. Including but not limited to:
- Office of Congressman Ro Khanna
- Office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta
- Office of Assemblyman Alex Lee
- Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin
- County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee
- City of San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei
- City of San Jose Councilman Bien Doan
- City of San Jose Councilwoman Pam Foley
- City of Saratoga Mayor Kookie Fitzsimmons
- City of Saratoga Vice Mayor Yan Zhao
- City of Saratoga Councilman Belal Aftab
- City of Saratoga Councilwoman Tina Walia
- City of Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei
- City of Cupertino Vice Mayor Sheila Mohan
- City of Campbell Mayor Anne Bybee
- City of Campbell Vice Mayor Susan Landry
- City of Monte Sereno Councilman Javed Ellahie
- City of Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein
- City of Sunnyvale Councilwoman Linda Sell
- City of Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou
- San Jose State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson
- ESUHSD Trustee Pattie Cortese
- ARUSD Trustee Corina Herrera-Loera
If you were unable to attend the ceremony, you may view the Facebook Live coverage feed here.
The pain of that day will never go away, but we carry forward our values of love and unity as we honor the victims and our fallen heroes.
Sincerely,
 |
Dave Cortese
Candyce Hoglan, aunt of Mark Bingham, 9/11 victim
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-CA
Retired Colonel Ray Watts
At podium: City of San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien Jr.
At bell: County Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew
**Photos of the Ceremony are Courtesy of the San Jose Fire Department**