Opening with the Star-Spangled Banner, Rio Hondo students and faculty members gathered around the Veterans Memorial in the lower quad of the Rio Hondo campus on Wednesday, September 11 to embark on the 18th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Superintendent Arturo Reyes lead a moment of silence shortly before the march of our nation’s colors by the Colored Guard.  A wreath was placed in front of the Veterans Memorial after the nations colors were shown. 

Rio Hondo’s Police Academy was present to solute the Uniformed Marchers during the ceremony. Dozens of bystanders stood quietly along the walkways of the lower quad watching the speeches and performances by the choir.

ASRHC President Cristina Amonza was amongst the few individuals to give speeches during this event. She opened her speech with a quote by the previous Secretary of State John Kerry.  

“Remember the hours after Sept. 11 when we came together as one. It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.” 

Event coordinator Cynthia Morales from Student Life and Leadership invited Veteran Marcus Spinoza to present a personalized speech regarding his service. After the audience applaud Spinoza, the Rio Hondo choir sang Amazing Grace to mark the end of the memorial service.