As the country paused Tuesday to remember the anniversary of 9/11, our community paid tribute as well.
Eleven years after the terrorist attacks, local high schools, businesses, and residents took time to remember that fateful day, which culminated Tuesday night with a motorcycle ride of remembrance. Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered here at the Bakersfield Harley Davidson shop for the 6th annual 9/11 ride to honor the victims.
Earlier in the day, the principal of Bakersfield High School reflected with his students. "On that fateful day, September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial jet airliners. The death toll of these attacks was 2,996."
That was part of the message the principal read to his students. They are facts many of these high schoolers don't remember because they were 8 years old and younger when the Twin Towers fell.
"I remember a lot of people talking about it. I saw the images on the TV, and I just thought wow this really happened," said Cadet Captain Tylor Johnson.
That's why every year BHS takes time to remember 9/11. The Junior ROTC unit raised the flag, and the choir sang the National Anthem. As the high school remembered the victims, Kern Security and Mossman's Café and Catering, honored those who serve.
"We don't stop and think about this every day, but the guys who do it, do it every day and we depend on them," said Mossman. He and the others invited police officers and firemen to an annual breakfast and tribute.
"It's certainly an honor. They do it every year. We appreciate everything they do for us," said Bakersfield Fire Captain Pat Caprioli.
