By Megan Carter

Fire fighters, police, first responders and the more than 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in 9-11 six years ago were honored at celebrations throughout the Inland Empire. In each red white and blue were the colors of the day. Patriotic songs were sung as drummers performed. In San Bernardino on Saturday, September 8, at the 6th Annual Our Children Sing, the day took on a very sacred tone, as the church choirs, prayers and the Lord were the focus.

On Tuesday, September 11, the tone was one of service for the S.B. Rotary group as they were joined by Mayor Pat Morris after taking him up on a suggestion he made last year to use this time to honor the memory of the victims by giving service. Volunteers spruced up Operation Phoenix's building, pulled weeds and cleaned off graffiti in parts of the city in need of attention.

The Non-Violence and World Peace event at the Carousel Mall honored the memory of Alice Page-Featherstone, who became consumed with teaching the children non-violence after 9-11. When she died earlier this year after a long bout with cancer, a group of close friends led by Vickie Lee vowed to continue the tradition. Frances Grice, another close friend, introduced the idea of presenting an award to a person who typifies the non violence attitude of Page. She said, "as we looked around the best possible person for this first award was Steve Lambert, editor of The Sun, San Bernardino's daily paper. After  Mynisha Crenshaw was shot to death in her apartment by apparent gang members while eating dinner, Steve went into action, he organized a group of people to say enough is enough and to point out the senseless deaths that were occurring in San Bernardino. From that effort, Mynisha's Circle was born and at the suggestion of Rev. Reggie Beamon a march was held on a cold and rainy day around the apartment where she lived. A thousand people came out to cast light on the problem and things started to change.

As was the wish of Page, there were many children on program. Lambert said, "she was just a little girl. I think of my own children and the power of Mynisha's Circle is just that fact. We have to stand up for what is right."

Councilman Rikke Van Johnson was very much a part of the program. He said, "hopefully we can stop the violence that is plaguing our community. This event is recognizing that tragedy (9/11) and turning it into a day of peace."

Vickie Lee was pleased with the crowd of over 100 people and said Alice would be happy. "It's time to stop all violence, peace will come if we do our part," she said.

Moving the program along was MC Gerald Thompson, youth pastor at the 16th Street 7th Day Adventist Church.

One of the main honorees was Walt Bieszczad, a member of the California Task Force and FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, a former Riverside Fire fighter Bieszczad now has asthma and is feeling the effects of the work he did at Ground Zero. He says he is not a hero only someone trying to serve his fellow man. He pointed out there were so many who gave unselfishly during that time and we should do something to help the multitude of first responders and others who are suffering from the effects of the air quality.

Lt. Craig Keith, of the San Bernardino Police Department was recognized upon his retirement after 30 years. Mayor Morris had the honor of presenting the awards. also honored were veterans from every war. Albert Hornung, US Marine who has 13 medals -- 7 of them Purple Hearts -- was honored as the Villa's Resident of the Month.

Gerry Golia, the Villa's Executive Director, gave a loving tribute to 9/11 victims admonished the crowd to remember our troops in the Middle East and the country and the Blue Angels Honor Guard from March Air Force Base raised the flag to half mast as well as placed a wreath and played Taps for this outstanding patriotic military focused event.

The guest of honor was Ervin H. Mateer, Retired Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy, who holds several Purple Hearts. Many other honorees were presented including the first female Brigadier General, Irene McEllestrim.