Events Marking The 9/11 Anniversary To Be Held Throughout Los Angeles

SANTA MONICA (CBS) — Several events are scheduled across Southern California in remembrance of the those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and eight paramedics, died on that day when terrorists highjacked three airplanes and crashed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

A fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa., after several brave passengers fought the terrorists to take over the plane.

In recognition of those who perished on that tragic day, the Santa Monica Fire Department conducted a brief and solemn remembrance ceremony consistent with the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommended protocols. All four community fire stations participated.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council recognized the anniversary with an 8 a.m. interfaith prayer service at the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles.

The city of Hawaiian Gardens also held an 8:15 a.m. ceremony.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck and LAFD Chief Brian Cummings took part in a 10 a.m. ceremony at the LAFD's Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Elysian Park.

The ceremony took place in the shadow of a 23-ton, 22-foot-tall steel column that was part of the World Trade Center's lobby structure.

At 6:30 p.m., LAFD Station 88 in Sherman Oaks will hold a remembrance ceremony featuring Cummings and other officials, including City Councilman Tom LaBonge. Also expected to attend is Brad Burlingame, whose brother, Charles, was the pilot of the hijacked plane that crashed into the Pentagon.

The fire station is home to California Task Force 1, the first urban search and rescue team called to the site of the collapsed World Trade Center towers. The station also has on display a 750-pound piece of the World Trade Center and a 100-pound piece of limestone from the Pentagon.

At Pepperdine University in Malibu, nearly 3,000 flags -- one for each of the 9/11 victims -- will be displayed at the Alumni Park lawn in what has become an annual tradition. They will remain on display until Sept. 19.

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