San Diegans gathered in Oceanside to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that occurred on the other side of the country 10 years ago.

Hundreds of attendees, many dressed in patriotic colors and waving American flags, filled the benches and seats at the Oceanside amphitheater to remember the victims.

“Ten years ago, on this fateful day, life as we knew it changed,” said David Palmatier, chairman of Friends of Oceanside Parks.

“Today, we remember those men and women who perished, and we will honor first responders—our military, police, fire, government and contract workers that helped on 9/11 and the years following.”

After the opening prayer, there was a moment of silence in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, followed by the song Amazing Grace played by a bagpipes and drums group.

Near the stage, four posters displayed the names of those who were lost. At the end of the event, bouquets were laid at the base of the posters.

“My heart continues to bleed for the families and friends that lost their loved ones on that day,” said George Solana, a Vista city employee who served on the urban search and rescue team from San Diego in New York.

Solana said he will never forget the image of a retired fire chief “walking aimlessly on the pile.” He explained one of his task force leaders asked the man if there was anything the team could do to help him.

“He looked around, looked at the pile, and he said, “‘Please help me find my boy.’” His son was a firefighter, Solana said.

Oceanside Fire Chief Darryl Hebert also spoke about his experience assisting with the cleanup effort in New York.

“Standing in front of a massive pile of steel, concrete and rubble that was once two towers over 110 stories high, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “It did not take me long to realize how real it was when I was handed a bucket and assigned to a line of desperate New York firefighters looking for any signs of life in the massive pile.”

Hebert encouraged attendees to reflect on their lives, in addition to remembering those who were lost.

“Never forget the opportunities you have today because of freedom,” he said. “Never forget those valuable relationships between family, friends and coworkers.”

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, City Council members, and fire, police and school officials were among those in attendance.

Wood thanked attendees for coming to the remembrance event.

The afternoon began with everyone standing and singing America the Beautiful, which was led by Kevin Dobbs and 3MC Chorus. 

After the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Oceanside Princess Elise Cruz, audience members also joined in singing the national anthem when singer Cyndi Cantrell’s microphone cut out halfway through the song.

“I believe it is important that we remember that day, not just the tragic side, but how we felt as a country—a country that came together and stood side-by-side,” Hebert said.