University Star

San Marcos residents showed their support for 9/11 victims by lowering the flags to half-mast.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero said it was a day to honor and show appreciation for the service members the country “owes so much” to.

“We are here to remember and honor those on the front lines,” Guerrero said. “We depend on and admire our veterans, leaders, fire fighters and emergency responders of all kinds.”

City councilmembers, firefighters, municipal workers and citizens were in attendance. By the time Guerrero was ready to deliver his speech, a crowd of more than 50 residents had gathered.

“The impact of that day reminds us of our vulnerability as a nation, but also gives us strength as we remember the courage of those emergency responders who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others,” Guerrero said. “As we raise our nation’s flag, try to remember where you were that life-changing day.”

An honor guard then proceeded to raise the American flag at half-mast. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited directly afterward.

San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens shared the history of American fire fighters and their sacrifices during the Sept. 11 attacks.

Amid the following silence, the San Marcos fire bell was struck 15 times, with three pauses between every fifth strike.

Stephens said the “tolling of the bell” is a tradition symbolizing sacrifice in the line of duty.

“The bell rings in tribute of their lives in service,” Stephens said. “It’s important for students to remember this day for not just those who died in the act of duty, but what it meant for the United States in the new 21st century.”

Those who felt their lives were affected by that fateful day were then asked to place a rose on the flower memorial provided by the city.

John Thomaides, Place 3 city councilman, said this was his 11th ceremony with the city, but the crowd seems to get smaller every year.

“The crowd today was relatively smaller than what I remember,” Thomaides said. “I have no doubt that this day is branded into the memories of many, but it’s sad to see that active support is diminishing.”