City to observe 9-11

Portales residents are planning a local remembrance service Thursday morning in the Portales National Bank to mark the seventh anniversary of Sept. 11.

This service is to honor the firefighters, police officers, military members and civilians who lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, said service organizer Pila Montoya.

Portales National Bank president David Stone has held this event every year since 2002 to remind people about the importance of protecting ourselves and the security of our homeland.

“An event such as this should never be forgotten,” Stone said.

The service will begin with the Cannon Air Force Base Color Guard conducting a flag ceremony and the playing of “Taps.”

Portales Fire Chief John Bridges will speak in remembrance and honor of the heroes of Sept. 11.

Bridges said his speech will also address the individuals and first responders who continue to act on a regular basis, and the soldiers that are fighting for our freedom today.

“The fire service and all of the public agencies are like a brotherhood,” Bridges said. “Anytime there is a loss in any of the branches, it is like losing a member of the family. Even if you did not know the person or persons lost, it still affects you and cuts you deep.”

Amy Carter will sing the National Anthem and Master Works will sing “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace.”