9/11, 25 years later: We remember the devastation, honor those lost and promise never to forget
It’s hard to imagine that as we remember 9/11 this week, it’s now been 25 years. Gosh, time goes by so quickly. That day was one of only a handful of times when I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news broke. It joins an unfortunate category that, for me, includes the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the verdict in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
We don’t need to be reminded, but we do need to remember that 19 terrorists associated with al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners that morning, flying two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon. On the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, passengers and crew fought back before the hijacker pilot crashed the aircraft in a field near Shanksville, Penn.
The attacks killed 2,977 victims, injured thousands more and altered the lives of countless others forever. Among those killed were 343 members of the New York City Fire Department and 72 law enforcement officers who reminded us all that first responders run toward disasters, rather than away from them, as part of their service and heroism.
The attacks led to the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan and reshaped American foreign and security policy for decades.
President George W. Bush said in an address to Americans that evening, “A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
“America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”
He added, “This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.”
I understand the president’s message and its meaning, but I would also argue that our country since then seems to have taken its eye off that ball far too many times.
Today should be a day when everyone finds a moment to reflect on what’s important to each of us, from our country as a whole to this little town that we love.
Twenty-five years later, the importance of unity seems no less meaningful.
We need to do better!
There will be a ceremony from the Laguna Beach Fire Department and the community. More info to come.
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You remember that wonderful Taste of Laguna you looked forward to each year from the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Festival of Arts? This year it was scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, with “was” being the applicable word here.
The Taste has been canceled following a statement from the Chamber last week: “It is with sincere regret that we must announce the cancellation of the 2026 Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to move forward with this year’s event. We understand that many of you were looking forward to an evening of great food, music, and community, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this cancellation may cause.”
The Taste in the past served as one of the Chamber’s signature events, with local restaurants, accompanying entertainment and a silent auction making for a wonderful networking opportunity for the community with old friends.
The Chamber has not publicly detailed the specific “unforeseen circumstances” that led to the cancellation.
The Chamber said the event is planned to return in 2027.
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Woods Cove Inn invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate Laguna Beach’s vibrant creative community during a special Artist Meet & Greet featuring High Desert Studio and Lorraine Pennington on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 4-6 p.m.
Art is woven throughout the guest experience at Woods Cove Inn, which partnered with local artists High Desert Studio and Lorraine Pennington to capture the rugged shorelines, golden sunsets and laid-back coastal spirit that have long inspired Laguna Beach’s art scene.
Pennington’s works welcome guests in the hotel lobby, while the coastal-inspired pieces of High Desert Studio are featured in guestrooms throughout the property.
During the complimentary gathering, guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn more about the inspiration behind their work and browse additional pieces available for purchase while enjoying a welcome beverage on the hotel’s terrace.
The event is free and open to all ages. On-site parking is reserved for overnight hotel guests, with limited paid street parking available in the surrounding area.
To learn more and to reserve a spot, go here.
Woods Cove Inn is located at 2020 S. Coast Highway.
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The 27th Annual California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest is underway, closing for submissions on September 30 at 5 p.m.
The contest is free and open to all amateur photographers. An amateur photographer is defined as someone who earns less than 50 percent of their income from photography.
Photographs in this contest feature the following subject arears:
–The scenic coast and the Pacific Ocean off California
–People and the California coast
–California ocean and coastal wildlife
Go to www.coastal.ca.gov/photo for entries, rules, categories and prizes. The contest is presented by the California Coastal Commission.
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KXFM & the Neighborhood Congregational Church present a combined City Council and school board candidates forum tonight (Sept. 8) at the church. Join in for a 5:30 p.m. potluck, followed by the 6:30 p.m. forum.
Your cheat sheet should tell you the candidates are vying for three council seats and three school board seats.
On the council side – nine candidates, including three incumbents.
The school board – five candidates, one of which is an incumbent.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share; otherwise the event is free and open to the public. NCC is located at 340 St. Ann’s Drive.
A pretty solid rumor is that Stu News’ own Shaena Stabler will be not only in attendance, but on the dais asking the hard questions.
