by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

In observance of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, AgingNext and Service Center for Independent Life teamed up to host a National Day of Service and Remembrance event Monday at the Spring Street Center in Claremont.

“This is a meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to the victims, the survivors, first responders of course, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience to face this adversity,” said AgingNext Chief Executive Officer Abigail Pascua. “And it’s a powerful reminder of our collective strength here in our community to make a difference and a brighter future for us here, locally.”

Monday’s event doubled as a volunteer fair which included a blood drive, vaccine clinic, disaster preparedness course and informational booths with surrounding nonprofits including Claremont and La Verne/San Dimas Meals on Wheels, Claremont Police Department’s Volunteer Patrol, Pomona Pride Center, Claremont After-School Programs, and others. Attendees also enjoyed a hot dog lunch courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Claremont.

In 2009, former President Barack Obama designated September 11 as National Day of Service and Remembrance. Events are held around the country in cities such as Albany, Saint Paul, Tucson, Arizona, Chicago, and the District of Columbia, and often stress activism and feature a reading of names of some or all of the 2,977 lives lost.