Every year on 9/11 Anita Richards wears a yellow ribbon with her son's picture. It's not only a day that our country will never forget, it's the day her son came to her and said I want to enlist in the military.“It’s a really sad day because I reflect on what happened on 9-11 and then just you know it was in him, he really wanted to go,” said Richards.
In 2008 Anita's son Frank Gaspar was killed by an improvised explosive device while fighting in Iraq.
Throughout the country and in the Central Valley 9/11 ceremonies took place to remember the thousands of lives lost on a day that changed our country forever.
“Today is a big deal for our nation because it just reminds us that we're vulnerable and that we need to remain united,” said John Motz.
In Atwater dozens of community members gathered at a ceremony on this 11th anniversary, many of whom say we can never forget.
“It's important that we honor these people,” said Fred Warchol.
And on this day we honor the men and woman killed, first responders, and our soldiers, Anita says she is very proud of her son's decision, 11-years ago on 9/11.
“I know he would want me to honor what he did, his service and I would say that you know they're heroes,” said Richards.
