County to mark 9/11 anniversary with rousing musical tribute

RIVERSIDE - A 45-piece orchestra playing patriotic music against a backdrop of images captured at Ground Zero will be Riverside County's way of remembering those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

On the 13th anniversary of 9/11, the Board of Supervisors will host a free tribute concert in the board chamber, on the first floor of the County Administrative Center, beginning at 7 p.m.

''The entire event will run about an hour and 10 minutes,'' Riverside County Military Affairs Commissioner Tom Freeman said. ''This is the county's way of honoring our military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters and members of the public lost at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and aboard Flight 93.''

The Cal Baptist University Band will be playing a number of selections, from God Bless America to the Armed Forces Medley, during which veterans of each service branch will be asked to stand up and be recognized.

Freeman said photographs taken before, during and after the attacks on the WTC and Pentagon will be projected onto big screens, synchronized with the music to maximize ''the experience.''

''It will take people back to that time,'' he said. ''I think they'll find it moving.''

Several state lawmakers, board members and area dignitaries are slated to attend.

Following the concert, attendees will be asked to walk outside to the adjacent plaza for a 21-gun salute conducted by members of the California National Guard.

''It's important that we don't forget the events of that day or the sacrifices still being made -- and dangers faced every single day -- by our men and women in the armed forces, who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom,'' Freeman said.

''I think it should also be noted this county has had a critical role in the War on Terror,'' he said. ''More than 300,000 military personnel have been flown out of March Air Reserve Base, heading to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations overseas, since 2001.''

Space is limited inside the board chamber. Those wishing to attend the memorial are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected] .