By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii-Pacific Bureau
HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Over a dozen representatives from government, faith-based groups, schools, and other organizations took part in a Virtual Gratitude Prayer Rally, hosted by the State Government of Hawaii in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
With local news anchor Annalisa Burgos serving as master of ceremonies, each representative took turns in rendering messages of positivity and encouragement.
Elected officials who graced the said occasion included State Senator and event organizer Bennette Misalucha, along with State Senator Glen Wakai, State Legislator Sam Kong, and Honolulu City Councillor Brandon Elefante.
“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we are also saddened by today’s sad conditions around the world due to COVID, natural disasters, and ravages of war,” said Hawaii State Senator Bennette Misalucha, who expressed hope that the virtual event would serve as an opportunity for communities to gather together in unity and to focus on the things for which to be grateful.
Misalucha added, “Whatever challenges we may face, as a community, we have reasons to hope.”
Meanwhile, Hawaii Governor David Ige took to social media to deliver his own message:
“Like many residents in Hawaii who woke up to the horror unfolding in New York City, I too will always remember this day for the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished… and for the courage and heroism by the first responders who put their lives in danger to protect the communities they serve.
“Today, we pause to remember all those affected by the tragic event 20 years ago and honor the memories of the lives lost. Their legacy is now etched in our collective memory and will live on through stories passed down to future generations.
“We owe our brave first responders a debt of gratitude for continuing to serve our community through times of crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“Together, as a state and nation, we’ll persevere and thrive. For we are at our best when we come together as one.”
Twenty years ago, two passenger planes hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; another plane crashed the Pentagon in Washington, DC; and a fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers tried to wrestle control from hijackers. 2,996 lives were lost.
Below are just some of the victims with Hawaii ties:
- Richard Y.C. Lee, managing director, Cantor Fitzgerald, World Trade Center, New York, NY
- Heather Malia Ho, executive pastry chef, Windows of the World restaurant, World Trade Center
- Patricia Colodner, executive secretary, Marsh Inc., World Trade Center
- Maile Hale, who was attending a business conference at the World Trade Center
- David Laychak, budget analyst, Department of Defense (Pentagon), Washington, DC
- Christine Snyder, passenger, United Airlines Flight 93, Pennsylvania
- Georgine Corrigan, passenger, United Airlines Flight 93, Pennsylvania
(Eagle News Service)