The City of San Marcos held a remembrance ceremony to commemorate the heroes and victims of 9-11 at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins.
The program opened with a welcome from City Manager, Bert Lumbreras, Mayor John Thomaides followed with remarks, read the proclamation, and introduced special guest speaker, Retired Major General Chris Adams.
General Adams’ air force career spanned 31 years of active duty, flying 8,000 hours and did two tours in Vietnam. His flying included the Mighty B-36 and B-52 Bombers, the C-47 “Gooney Bird” in Vietnam and numerous others. One of his many awards includes the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. Adams is a published author of eleven books, including cold war history and spy novels.
The San Marcos Fire Department Honor Guard raised the flag that was flying over San Marcos City Hall the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
Followed the flag raising was renditions of the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem sung by San Marcos 9-1-1 Dispatcher, Karen Zavala, as well as a performance from the San Marcos Fire Department Bagpipers.
The historical fire bell in front of City Hall was tolled in honor of the first responders who perished on 9-11 with a moment of silent reflection.
The public was invited to attend the ceremony and to place flowers on the Flower Memorial afterward.