Manhattan Beach Observes 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Sep 11, 2026 12:00PM ● By MB News Staff
In a ceremony both majestic and solemn, Manhattan Beach leaders and community members commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday.
After the Manhattan Beach Fire Department's Honor Guard presented flags and a commemorative wreath, accompanied by bagpipes, the assembled crowd heard from Mayor Joe Franklin, Police Chief Rachel Johnson and Manhattan Beach Firefighter Craig Youngdale.
The ceremony was held at the corner of 15th/Valley, where the Manhattan Beach police/fire facility displays the city's 9/11 memorial. It contains two steel columns that are remnants of the World Trade Center towers that collapsed after the terrorist attack.
Speaking of victims, families and first responders from that day, Mayor Franklin said, "Their losses are no less painful and poignant with the passage of time. This is why it's important for us to remember this day."
Chief Johnson recounted the valor of firefighters, police and civilians who rushed into danger to help others on 9/11, and concluded, "There's another lesson from September 11th that I hope we never lose: Remembering September 12th. Remembering how Americans came together, remembering the flags, the blood donations, the volunteers, the people standing in line asking what they could do. Remember a country that, in a moment of tremendous grief, understood that we belonged to one another."
Youngdale explained that he was nearly new to his position in emergency services in Alexandria, Virginia, on the day of the attacks. Soon, he was serving as a first responder at the Pentagon, where a jet had crashed into the building.
Reflecting on the day's events and the nation's recovery since then, Youngdale said, "Together, our ability to overcome adversity continues to save countless lives. It will always remind us of how strong our country is."
Near the conclusion of the ceremony came the "Striking of the Four Fives," a historical fire service practice where a station bell is rung to honor a deceased crew member – and which is also sometimes used to commemorate even greater losses.
The event concluded with "Taps" and the raising of the American flag to half mast.
After the Manhattan Beach Fire Department's Honor Guard presented flags and a commemorative wreath, accompanied by bagpipes, the assembled crowd heard from Mayor Joe Franklin, Police Chief Rachel Johnson and Manhattan Beach Firefighter Craig Youngdale.
The ceremony was held at the corner of 15th/Valley, where the Manhattan Beach police/fire facility displays the city's 9/11 memorial. It contains two steel columns that are remnants of the World Trade Center towers that collapsed after the terrorist attack.
Speaking of victims, families and first responders from that day, Mayor Franklin said, "Their losses are no less painful and poignant with the passage of time. This is why it's important for us to remember this day."
Chief Johnson recounted the valor of firefighters, police and civilians who rushed into danger to help others on 9/11, and concluded, "There's another lesson from September 11th that I hope we never lose: Remembering September 12th. Remembering how Americans came together, remembering the flags, the blood donations, the volunteers, the people standing in line asking what they could do. Remember a country that, in a moment of tremendous grief, understood that we belonged to one another."
Reflecting on the day's events and the nation's recovery since then, Youngdale said, "Together, our ability to overcome adversity continues to save countless lives. It will always remind us of how strong our country is."
Near the conclusion of the ceremony came the "Striking of the Four Fives," a historical fire service practice where a station bell is rung to honor a deceased crew member – and which is also sometimes used to commemorate even greater losses.
The event concluded with "Taps" and the raising of the American flag to half mast.
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