The City of La Quinta held their annual candlelight vigil on September 11 in memory of the lives lost in New York and Washington D.C. The vigil was held at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park near the library and lasted from 7 to 8 p.m.

For the past four years at the event, LQHS’ Wind Symphony the National Anthem, Salute to Freedom, and America the Beautiful. Along with the LQ Wind Symphony, survivors of 9/11 spoke at the vigil, as well as La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans, firefighters, and police officers.

Bert Upson, a survivor of 9/11, was a speaker at the event and informed the audience that he was inside a tower when it was hit, but fortunately was lucky enough to escape.

LQ’s band director, Mr. Fleischmann, was also in New York on 9/11 and said, “It’s always emotional to hear people speak and to relive the event.” Fleischmann described his experience at the vigil as reliving the experience, but through the speakers.

Maddy Deharo (11) said, “The vigil made me stop and realize the impact that 9/11 had on people. It was unbelievable.”