Fresno County residents will never forget the tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001. Clovis is a deeply patriotic community that has several public spaces dedicated to veterans and share the history of our country and city. The California 9/11 Memorial is one of those places, and the exhibit and annual commemoration ceremony is the largest of its kind in the U.S. outside of New York City. The memorial was a community effort spearheaded by former Pelco CEO, David McDonald. It opened in 2019 with an expansion projected completed in 2022.
As you walk through the memorial, you'll hear soft music playing as monuments depicting the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, first responders and more stand tall. Another special tribute also rings inside the memorial grounds for the passengers on Flight 93, with four wind chimes dedicated to passengers Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett and Jeremy Glick, who led a counterattack to stop the plane from hitting its intended target. A tree dedicated to the survivors of the attack was also planted and another statue pays tribute to the first responders who stepped in to help. Each display has a QR code with corresponding video for visitors to watch and hear while they're in the garden.
You can visit the memorial any time for free. Each year on September 11, a memorial ceremony is held with first responders and military service members to honor the lives lost in 2001. This year's memorial ceremony will be held Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Former New York Giants defensive end, NFL Superbowl Champion and author of Just Around the Bend - My Journey for 9/11, George Martin, will be the guest speaker.
In addition to the annual ceremony, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is bringing its 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit to Clovis on Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4. The educational exhibit features various artifacts including steel beams from the towers, documentary videos and recordings of first responder radio transmissions. Interactive guided tours are also led by FDNY firefighters who provide firsthand accounts of the day and its aftermath. Day one is open to veterans, military members and first responders. Day two is open to the general public.
Visit the mobile exhibit and the California 9/11 Memorial at 3485 Never Forget Lane, Clovis, CA 93612.
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