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Respects Paid to America's Heroes at Expanded 9/11 Memorial in Clovis
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
September 12, 2019

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Emotions flowed Wednesday morning in Clovis as about 500 people vowing to “never forget” paid their respects at the newly expanded California 9/11 Memorial.
Situated at the business park that formerly housed Pelco, the 18th annual remembrance featured for the first time replicas of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, at 1/100 scale.


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The names of some of those who perished — including Navy Lt. Commander Otis Vincent Tolbert from Lemoore — are etched on the replicas. Tolbert, who played football at Fresno State, died Sept. 11, 2001, at the Pentagon.

“Our goal is to not only honor but to educate and remember.”Memorial executive director Anna Borgeas

Memorial Board Raised $350K for Improvements

The California 9/11 Memorial formally organized as a nonprofit group following last year’s event. Then it worked on its goal of creating a larger memorial intended to better convey the historic significance of the terrorist attacks, particularly for younger Americans.
The Pentagon replica includes a water feature. In addition, the new memorial will have a meditation garden, a monument for those perished aboard United Airlines Flight 93 at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and a survivor tree, similar to a pear blossom that survived the Twin Tower attacks. Display storyboards around the grounds help share the story of 9/11, including a timeline of how the tragedy unfolded.
The final words of United passenger Todd Beamer — “let’s roll” — became a national catchphrase. Beamer, a former Fresno State student, was one of several passengers who attempted to regain control of the jet from the highjackers.
The memorial’s centerpiece remains the existing 110-foot flagpole, representative of the 110 stories of the Twin Towers.
It took only three months to complete the privately funded $350,000 renovation. A collaborative group of engineers, landscapers, and architects helped design the memorial.

Educational Event

Anna Borgeas, executive director of the California 9/11 Memorial, says the project’s aim is to preserve history.
“Our goal is to not only honor but to educate and remember,” Borgeas said.
Wednesday morning’s ceremony included the Fresno County Office of Education hosting its OneVoice event, a celebration of America. Students who won a local 9/11-themed art contest were honored, as well.
“Most of our students were not alive during the time of the 9/11 attacks. Through this contest, students can learn more about this defining time in our country’s history and help keep the memory alive of those who died in these attacks,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson.

Watch: Clovis 9/11 Memorial Expansion Project

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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