Placer County officials invite the community to honor lives lost on 9/11 at 20-year anniversary event

Published on Sept. 9, 2021

Placer County officials are inviting the community to join them at a 9/11 20-year anniversary event on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. at the Placer County Fire Station #180 in Auburn. 

The event will be held next to the Liberty Tree, which was planted in 2001 to establish a living tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11. The tree was planted at the suggestion of former District 3 Supervisor Harriet White who will be in attendance at Saturday’s event. 

The public is invited to join District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes, District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson, Former District 3 Supervisor Harriet White, Placer County Sheriff Devon Bell, Placer County Fire Chief Brian Estes and Assistant Director of Emergency Services Dave Atkinson to mark the occasion. 

The event, hosted by Supervisor Jim Holmes, will include remarks from Placer County officials and a group song of God Bless America. 

“I think it is important to observe the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on our nation. The Liberty Tree memorial, which was championed 20 years ago by retired Supervisor Harriet White, is our way of honoring those who lost their lives in the tragic events,” said Supervisor Jim Holmes.  “There have been several generations who have been born since the attacks, including my four granddaughters’ generation. It is our obligation to teach them about how our world changed on 9/11.”

“This event shows the continued bravery and resiliency of our first responders and the American people. We will never forget those lives impacted from that day and will continue to honor their sacrifice in our county,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson.

“Sept. 11 serves as a reminder of those individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice to help protect the people affected on that fateful day. May we honor their sacrifice and never forget the impact that day had on our nation,” said Placer County Sheriff Devon Bell. 

“As a fire chief, there is nothing more humbling than remembering the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on our country. This day commemorates the 20-year anniversary and reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice paid by the men and women in uniform on that historical day,” said CAL FIRE NEU / Place County Fire Chief Brian Estes. 

Residents can learn more about the Liberty Tree here.