CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: 9/11 Memorial Event or Recognition
MEETING DATE: February 19, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Manager REVIEWED BY: Rebekah Kramer, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Review information regarding past City-hosted 9/11 Memorial events and discuss potential options for a future events or recognition.
DISCUSSION
In September 2024, the City Council requested a future agenda item to consider the creation of a September 11 tribute. On September 11, 2001, four commercial airliners were hijacked in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in United States history. Two planes struck the Twin Towers in New York City, a third hit the Pentagon in Virginia, and a fourth, diverted by passengers, crashed in a Pennsylvania field. The attacks killed 2,977 people and had lasting impacts on the nation, leading to heightened security measures, changes in government operations, and ongoing health effects for thousands.
To honor the lives lost and those affected, the City of Menifee began hosting a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in 2019. Over the years, the event has evolved based on the involvement of planning committee partners. Table 1 below provides an overview of the Memorial’s history.
TABLE 1 – HISTORY OF 9/11 MEMORIAL EVENT
Year Elements Operational
Costs
Personnel
Costs
Total Cost
2019 City Hosted Ceremony
2 Search Lights (to resemble the Twin
Towers), Guest Speakers, Remembrance
Bags, Memorial Wreath, Refreshments
$2,500 $875 $3,375
2020 City Hosted Virtual Presentation $0 $250 $250
City of Menifee Staff Report
9/11 Memorial Event or Recognition
February 19, 2025
2 5
0 4
Year Elements Operational
Costs
Personnel
Costs
Total Cost
2021 City Hosted Ceremony
2 Search Lights (to resemble the Twin
Towers), Guest Speakers, Bagpiper, Thank
You Cards for First Responders
$1,000 $750 $1,750
2022 MSJC Lead Event w/City Support - Guest
Speakers, Coasters, T-shirts, Refreshments
$700 $925 $1,625
2023 MSJC Lead Event w/City Support
9/11 Artifact from Tunnel to Towers
Foundation, Guest Speakers, Ringing of the
Bell, Framing of Flags, Live Broadcasted,
Refreshments
$2,500 $950 $3,450
Several potential options for commemorating the events of September 11, 2001, have been identified for consideration including:
•Establish an Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony – Establishing an annual commemorative event, either as a standalone City-led program or in partnership with local organizations, first responders, and community groups.
•Establish a 9/11 Day of Service – Encouraging community members to participate in acts of service, such as volunteering, donation drives, or beautification projects, as a way to honor the spirit of unity and resilience demonstrated in the aftermath of 9/11. •Incorporate a Memorial into a City Park or City Facility – Explore opportunities to integrate a permanent memorial at a location within the city such as a city park or facility. •Support Regional 9/11 Commemorations – Partnering with other government agencies or non-profit organizations to promote/support existing memorial events in the region.
While cities in Riverside County, such as Riverside and Norco, host annual 9/11 memorial events to honor victims and first responders, there is not a widely recognized regional initiative that the City can formally support. City staff are seeking input and direction from the City Council regarding the options presented or other alternatives for consideration/discussion.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The cost impact associated with the establishment of a 9/11 tribute would be based upon the memorial recognition program parameters.
ATTACHMENTS
None.