By Coralie Rogez

The lyrics to the “Star- Spangled Banner” will be the first powerful words heard by those attending the “Remembering 9/11″ ceremony, set to begin 6:20 p.m. next Wednesday at the Hillview soccer field, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

Sitting or standing next to neighbors and friends beneath the bold red, white and blue, 20-by-40-foot American flag, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents can unite as one as they are led by local High School freshmen Georgia Glaze, Christina Bolognini, Alison Unzelman and Lizzie Chandler in the national anthem.

This patriotic, one-hour communitywide gathering on Sept. 11 will not be a “bring your blanket and picnic” kind of event. Rather, it will be an intimate opportunity for all Los Altos and Los Altos Hills families to come together and remember with awe the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and its following months.

In addition, this event will recognize the individual members of the Los Altos and Los Altos Hills police, fire and county sheriff departments who risk their lives on a daily basis to ensure our safety.

“The goal here is to remember 9/11,” said Los Altos Councilman Lou Becker. “What it meant to the country, but also to stress the safety we have here in the city. We need to recognize the individuals who are part of the police and fire department. They’re a wonderful group.”

“Remembering 9/11″ committee members, who organized this event, believe attendees will go home with positive feelings of unity, hope and patriotism.

Los Altos Hills resident Lottie Solomon who lost her daughter Naomi, on Sept. 11 on the 106th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, may attend the 6:20-7:20 p.m. event.

Solomon said, “I’m glad that Los Altos is paying tribute to local people. It’s very fitting.” When asked about her thoughts on people’s feelings as they exit the event, she responded, “Although there is no finality for me, mixed with sorrow will be hope for a better time.”

Christina Bolognini, a freshman at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, who will sing the national anthem at the opening of the ceremony, is proof that the younger generation also has been devastated by this trepidation.

Bolognini said, “I’m honored to be part of this event. We’re going to sing a special song. We’re a special country. I hope that all the people will listen to the words and allow the words to affect them. If we’re going to sing it, then we should sing it with pride.”

Non-profit organizations as well as corporate sponsors are helping to make the event possible.

Seating begins at 5:45 p.m. The program begins promptly at 6:20 p.m.