By Town Crier Staff Report

After the September 11 tragedies, many of us were obliged to change our lives. Whether it was finding the endurance to go on despite our losses, living life to the fullest or making a difference in our communities, we patriotically promised not to give into fear and uncertainty.

One year later, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills families are encouraged to commemorate the tragedy with a patriotic one-hour gathering. It’s an opportunity to learn about safety and protection from the people who support us. This is an opportunity to support them.

“Remembering 9/11″ will be a communitywide gathering from 6:20-7:20 p.m., Sept. 11, on the Hillview soccer field.

Broadcast and cable news networks plan to devote hours of coverage to the anniversary throughout the day on Sept. 11. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents have an opportunity to end the day with special recognition of our local police, fire and county sheriff personnel.

“We all go to work, but not all of us go to work to put our lives on the line for others,” said Los Altos Hills resident Firooz Ghafari, “This is one way to honor those at home that do.”

County Sheriff Laurie Smith, County Fire Chief Ben Lopes and Los Altos Police Chief Don Johnson have agreed to participate in the event. Each will introduce individual members of their departments that serve Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Fire trucks, police vehicles and other safety equipment will surround the soccer field, reminding us of the power that quietly sits in the background for our safety.

Dick Henning, noted for his Foothill College Celebrity Forum, will serve as master of ceremony at the commemorative event. A Boy Scouts honor guard will open the program.

Mark Shaull, head of the Los Altos High School Music Department, will direct the music.

Non-profit agencies in the two cities are signing on as co-sponsors of “Remembering 9/11.”

The patriotic event is free. Seating will begin at 6 p.m. in the soccer field next to the Bus Barn Theater.