Friday marks 19 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Many Central Coast agencies will be hosting special events to recognize the somber anniversary, some will be modifying their events, and others are canceled due to COVID-19.
In Lompoc, the fire department will hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at their main headquarters Station 51 on 115 South G St beginning at 6:50 a.m. The flags will be lowered to half-staff and a moment of silence will be observed. This event is also being live streamed on the fire departments Facebook page.
In Santa Maria, the fire department will hold a simple ceremony at each fire station in the city. Starting at 7:20 a.m., fire trucks will be pulled out in front of each station, there will be brief remarks, a moment of silence, and the U.S. flag will be lowered.
The annual Day of Remembrance ceremony at the San Luis Obispo World Trade Center Memorial will not be taking place due to COVID-19 concerns. However, SLO City Fire is welcoming the community to stop by the memorial located at Fire Station 1 on Santa Barbara Ave to honor and pay respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is switching their event to a virtual ceremony that can be watched on the My Network TVchannel which is Cox Communications Channel 13 in Santa Barbara County.
Ampsurf will hold a paddle out to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. It takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Addie Street beach access in Pismo Beach.
For all events happening in-person, organizers ask that participants maintain social distancing guidelines and wear a face mask.