16th anniversary of 9/11 honored with South Lake Tahoe ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those who were alive on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 remember exactly what they were doing when they first saw the reports of the four attacks coordinated by al-Qaeda in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Today, sixteen years later, those who lost their lives during the attacks were remembered during a ceremony at the American Legion Hall.

412 first responders were among the 2,996 people who died that day, and local firefighters, paramedics, police officers and highway patrol were among those who gathered at the Legion, underneath a flag displayed high above the ceremony.

"Being first responders is inherently dangerous," said Bob St. Angelo of the American Legion Post 795. "We are honored many of them are with us today."

St. Angelo and Legion Chaplain Curt Emrie led the ceremony with the striking of the four-fives, a traditional ringing of a bell in four series of five rings rendering final honors after a firefighter's death.

"Duty is a simple word, but ingrained in us," said SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston who lost three friends from the New York Fire Department that day. "First responders would make the ultimate sacrifice if needed."

Jill Scharlow sang the National Anthem and God Bless America, and Maria Delallo played Amazing Grace on bagpipes during the observance.

The Ladies Auxiliary had lunch and cake for all attending following the conclusion.

"We will remember September 11 as we do Pearl Harbor, the only other attack on US soil," said Emrie. "Yes, we will remember."