SoCal Residents Mark Anniversary of Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks

City leaders joined with police and fire officials Friday for an annual ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

Held in the shadow of a large piece of metal from the World Trade Center, the ceremony included bagpipes and ringing of a bell to honor those who died -- including a large number of first responders -- in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and police Chief Charlie Beck were among those taking part in the annual remembrance ceremony at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Elysian Park.

"We see it every single day in our fire services, in our military and Coast Guard," Garcetti said. "We understand that when people put on a uniform and wear a badge, it's just theirs for a temporary moment in time.

They become the guardian angels for each one of us, not knowing what may happen. "And every one of them steps forward voluntarily," he said.

A series of additional remembrance ceremonies marking the 15th anniversary of the attacks are planned for Sunday, including one at the Los Angeles Fire Department's Sherman Oaks station, which includes a 9/11 Memorial Fountain. Ceremonies are also scheduled in cities including Burbank, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills and Carson.

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