It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Among those casualties were four Raytheon employees including Stanley Hall who was the director of program management in Washington D.C. According to numerous reports, he was on his way to the Goleta Raytheon facility when his plane crashed into the Pentagon. While none of the Raytheon employees killed in 9/11 lived in Goleta, the Raytheon campus in Goleta pauses every year on 9/11 to pay tribute to their employees and all the lives who were lost in this tragedy.
This year Raytheon is inviting the public to a special 25th Anniversary event on Thursday, September 10th starting with a parade at 8:30 a.m. proceeding from Robin Hill Road to the 9/11 Memorial on Hollister Avenue in front of the Raytheon Campus. Following the parade is a tribute ceremony that will begin at 9:00 a.m. featuring guest speakers including Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith, patriotic presentations, and a time of remembrance.
Raytheon hopes you will help them “pay tribute to the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of our first responders, military members, and all who answered the call, and reaffirm our commitment to never forget.”
Then on Friday, September 11th you are invited to attend a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens located at 1100 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara. This ceremony is put on by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s and Fire along with Santa Barbara City Police and Fire agencies.
The press release states,“For members of the public safety community, September 11 holds particular significance as we remember the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and other first responders who answered the call without hesitation, many making the ultimate sacrifice while helping others reach safety.”
This year’s theme, “We Remember — Honoring the Past, Guarding the Future,” reflects on the enduring impact of September 11 and the responsibility to carry its legacy forward. As a generation comes of age with no firsthand memory of that day, the 25th anniversary offers a meaningful opportunity to share its history and ensure the stories of courage, compassion, and sacrifice continue to be remembered.”
Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair or blanket, as limited seating will be available.
Also on On Friday, September 11, all 16 County Fire stations will hold a brief ceremony at 9:00 a.m. that includes lowering the American flag to half-staff and a moment of silence. The ceremony honors the 343 firefighters of the Fire Department of the City of New York, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives that day, as well as the survivors and families who continue to carry their memory.
There are three fire stations in Goleta:
- Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way)
- Fire Station 12 (5330 Calle Real)
- Fire Station 14 (320 N. Los Carneros Road)
We are thinking of everyone who was impacted by 9/11 and however you choose to spend the day, we all stand together in remembering those affected. We will always remember.
