Havasu Community Honors And Remembers Heroes and Fallen On 9/11 Anniversary

By Janet Cruz

Lake Havasu City residents, first responders and community leaders gathered at London Bridge Beach to remember and honor the victims and heroes of 9/11.

Twenty-one ago today, many first responders and individuals inside the New York City World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., Virginia and in Pennsylvania, lost their lives because of one of the nation’s deadliest terror attacks. To honor those who lost their lives, Lake Havasu City gathered to remember at their annual 9/11 rededication ceremony Sunday morning.

9/11 Lake Havasu RiverScene Magazine Jillian Danielson Photos local news

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The opening ceremony and prayer was led by Emcee Bud Watts and Sisto Sandoval. A moment of silence and presentation of colors led by the Marine Corp League, VFW and first responders along with the raising of the flags was observed as well.

In memory of fallen firefighters lost, firefighters Chris Glomboski, with Desert Hills Fire Department, Bryan Semmons from Lake Mohave Ranchos, Mike Blomenkamp with Lake Havasu City Fire Department, along with Ricky Beach, Marty Port, Tim Maple and Dustin McMahon were just some of many that also conducted a stair run before the rededication ceremony at the London Bridge stairs in honor of the flight of stairs the NYC firefighters took inside the New York city World Trade Center Twin Towers on September 11.

“There are 51 stairs here, so we figure we will go up 28 times and will keep going until the last person is done,” said Chris Glomboski with Desert Hills Fire Department.

9/11 Lake Havasu Firefighters RiverScene Magazine Jillian Danielson Photos local news

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

With firehoses over their shoulders and lots of heart, firefighters completed their climb to remember their fellow first responder heroes and also in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022. The Queen held memorials every year in her support of the United States and in Honor of 9/11 victims in previous years.

Firefighters from the New York City Department were also in attendance at the rededication ceremony.
Honored guest speakers included Mayor Cal Sheehy and Magistrate Mitchell Kalauli with Veteran’s Court. Members of organizations in attendance included Gold Star Moms, Lake Havasu City Choir, Lake Havasu Military Moms, Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic School and Grace Arts Live Singer Bailey Vesley.

Lake Havasu City will never forget the victims and heroes of September 11.