9/11 Remembered at Castro Valley Veterans Memorial
Shortly after 8 am on September 11, 2021, VFW Post 9601 Commander Stephen West welcomed the approximately 100 in attendance at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial, including 101-year-old Pearl Harbor Survivor and Navy Master Chief (Retired) Mickey Ganitch, to remember and honor the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
After the colors were posted, our flag was lowered to half mast. Moose Lodge 1491 Chaplain Bonnie Russell opened in prayer followed by Commander West, US Navy (Retired), who shared his personal experiences as he had extended family directly impacted by the attack, in addition to several uncommon facts reflecting on 9/11.
He was followed by VFW Post 9601 Past Commander John McPartland, US Army (Retired) and a retired Oakland Fire Battalion Chief, who currently serves on the BART Board of Directors (District 5) reading the 9/11 President Proclamation, followed by the VFW and American Legion Honor Guard doing a Rifle Salute and Taps.
After Commander West made his closing remarks recognizing all who worked to make this Remembrance significant including the Hancock & TS Midway Sea Cadets, who welcomed everyone and provided hand-held American Flags and programs. Chaplain Russell then closed the event in prayer. A tremendously moving, personal remembrance and reminder why we can never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.
