EYEWITNESS REPORT: Ted Hayes' 9/11 Memorial in Downtown LA 09/11/2003

My reporting ^ | 09/11/2003 | David H Dennis

[daviddennis]

"We must make the dead know that their sacrifices were not in vain."

This has been one of the major guiding points of the philosophy of Ted Hayes, Homeless Activist. Through protests, memorials and vigils, Ted's aim has been steadfast: To bring support to our troops, past and present, and to honor the sacrifices others have made in the name of the greater good of patriotism.

To share in this honoring of the dead, a group of about fifty people gathered at 5:00am in Downtown LA for a memorial commemorating the dead of 9/11.

The Memorial had two parts. The first one was on the lawn in front of City Hall to honor the dead of 9/11.

This part had an uncharacteristically subdued Ted Hayes in a surprisingly passive mode, mainly introducing speakers and reminding us of the importance of the day.

The first speaker was a teacher who reminded us that the fight against our enemies is not confined to those on foreign shores; many in acadamia are trying to make excuses for the terrorists, sometimes implying that our system is somehow even worse than theirs. America-hating is very common, he said, and we should be vigilant in rooting it out - or our children will think that our country is truly evil.

The second speaker, John B (Mr B Goes to Washington here) spoke well about the continued challenges we face to keep the War on Terrorism in the public eye. It's particularly difficult to keep focused hen things are going well on the home front, especially if things seem to be going badly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We then had a reading of the names of those Los Angeles residents who died. Unfortunately, I was exhaused holding up the camera for all that time, so I took a break during the reading.

I should not have; some of the most moving parts of the memorial were during the reading. One of the speakers was in tears as she read the names; the others weren't in much better shape. It was a profoundly moving experience.

Ted then spoke, reminding us that Osama and pals should have read some American history and understood that we have a long and honorable history of saying "Don't Tread on Me". At that point, an original song of that title was performed, and it was very good.

We then broke up and reassembled at the nearby memorial for Japanese killed in World War II. Surprisingly, considering the distance and logistical confusion, almost everyone who came for the first part went over to the second. I came close to dropping out because I was truly exhausted from a lack of sleep and carrying the camera for so long, but fortunately I managed to tap some inner reserve of strength.

I'm glad I did, because Ted Hayes' speech at the memorial was one of his best. He pointed out that during World War II, when the Japanese were put in internment camps and generally treated poorly, their sons and daughters nonetheless went to fight for America, and many died. The memorial has the name of everyone who fought or wound up in an internment camp.

He said that the sacrifices of these people was powerful, as were the sacrifices of his own people.

So he asked "Where are the Muslims?"

The Japanese helped us when we fought the Japanese.

Where are the Muslims now that we need to fight Muslims?

Are Muslims loyal to our country or theirs?

I thought these were interesting questions indeed.

At the end of his speech, he suggested that we look at all the Japanese names around the memorial. There were thousands of them, all direct or indirect casualties of World War II.

By comparision, our war in Iraq has been a walk in the park, even now. I found it a highly unsettling contrast with the number of Japanese on that memorial.

[daviddennis]

This is probably a fairly incomplete account since I was concentrating on holding the camera and getting video instead of really absorbing what happened. But a incomplete eyewitness event trumps no eyewitness event every time :-).

Ted Hayes and friends would like to thank KTTV Channel 11, the Los Angeles Fox affiliate, for kindly providing us with electricity when the LA City Engineers who were supposed to didn't wake up on time.

Note that the source URL does not yet point anywhere. When I have video and/or pictures of the event, they will appear there.

[DoughtyOne]

Thank you for the nice report David. I wasn't there and would have liked to start this thread, but didn't have enough information to do so. Great job.

[daviddennis]

Ping your people!

I really wanted to send Genivive a ping, but I still can't spell her name. Send her a special hello on my behalf, and I hope her foot recovers soon!

D

[Rabid Dog]

Bump for daviddennis and his excellent report!

[ibbryn]

I'd like to add an observation.

The city streets were pretty quiet.

Also in attendance were about 5 firefighters out of Station 3 (I think - memory poor). They stayed in the background and did not approach the crowd or speakers. At exactly 5:45am their pumper's siren sounded for what seemed like a long time - at least a minute, felt like three.

I was about 200 yards from the truck and during the time the siren was sounding I was reminded of how horribly loud Ground Zero must have been: choppers overhead, sirens sounding, car and building alarms, bullhorns, screams, bodies hitting the pavement, people crying, and finally, collapsing structures.

After I left I regretted not thanking the fire crew for their service.

I was happy that I was able to attend. Thanks to all involved.

ibbryn (and his little dog)

[RonDog]

See also the pre-event thread:

Please join TED HAYES on 9/11/03 for a Sunrise Vigil:
L.A. City Hall (5:15 am) "Lest We Forget"
e-mail from Ted | September 9, 2003 | Ted Hayes
Posted on 09/09/2003 12:44 AM PDT by RonDog

You are invited to attend
the second annual

September 11th Sunrise Vigil
"Lest We Forget"

"Rising early in the morning to attend this memorial,
is the least that we can do,
to publicly reaffirm our deep commitment
to their sacred memory,
and to the continued safeguarding
of our beloved nation." - Ted Hayes, coordinator

CLICK HERE for the rest of that thread

[RonDog]

Ted Hayes and friends would like to thank KTTV Channel 11, the Los Angeles Fox affiliate, for kindly providing us with electricity when the LA City Engineers who were supposed to didn't wake up on time.

That would be THESE guys, who also recorded part of the Sunrise Vigil for possible broadcast later in the day:

www.Fox11LA.com

FOX 11 Morning News, 
weekdays at 5:30am.
Good Day LA,
weekdays at 7am.
Fox 11 10 O'clock News,
every day at 10pm.
(All are California time.)

.

Please also watch Fox NEWS, to see if any of that film was actually shown, as we MAY even make the NATIONAL feed, at:

www.FoxNEWS.com

[cake_crumb]

"Ted Hayes and friends would like to thank KTTV Channel 11, the Los Angeles Fox affiliate, for kindly providing us with electricity when the LA City Engineers who were supposed to didn't wake up on time."

And we supporters of the war on terror, who know and support our troops as they risk AND give their lives in response to the devastating attacks of 9/11 and protect us from further attacks, would like to thank Mr. Ted Hayes for his dedication.

[RonDog]

We...would like to thank Mr. Ted Hayes for his dedication.

You got THAT right. :o)

And, we should also thank Ted Hayes for getting THIS powerful proclamation signed by members of the Los Angeles City Council:

Resolution
The September 11th Sunrise Vigil:
Lest We Forget

WHEREAS, the attacks against the United States of America on September 11, 2001 mark the beginning of our homeland defense against terrorism;

WHEREAS, the attacks have caused U.S. citizens to denounce any group, organization, or nation who dare to threaten or carry out acts of terror against America and her allies;

WHEREAS, the attacks have forced all of us to be more vigilant against any such acts of terror in the future and be ready to defend ourselves at all times;

WHEREAS, in remembering the victims of September 11, 2001 and their loved-ones, friends, and business associates, we also remember and acknowledge the truth as to who the perpetrators themselves claim to be, that is, Muslims, carrying out the will of the Deity of their religion known as Islam;

WHEREAS, backed and fully supported by all citizens in Los Angeles, we encourage Muslim-Americans to increase and intensify their open and public denouncements of those members within their religion and umma (community) who continue to engage in acts of terror throughout the world;

WHEREAS, in order to keep alive the memory of the victims of September 11, 2001 and the damage done to our nation, "September 11th Sunrise Vigil" will take place this September 11, 2003;

WHEREAS, the "September 11th Sunrise Vigil" will be the first memorial event of the day in the City of Los Angeles which was inspired and orchestrated by Homeless activist, Ted Hayes and a small band of Homeless people from Justiceville/Homeless, USA, The Dome Village, and Rabbi Allen Freehling;

WHEREAS, the participation of Homeless people in the event presents a gesture of patriotism from the poorest of the poor and demonstrates to every U.S. citizen that love of country must transcend every level of American society;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that by the adoption of this resolution that the Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor recognize the "September 11th Sunrise Vigil" that will be held this September 11, 2003 on the South Lawn of City Hall and joins in remembering the thousands of lives taken from us on that infamous day of September 11, 2001, acknowledging as a city that we will never forget this tragic day in our country’s history.

PRESENTED BY:
Jan Perry
Councilwoman, District Nine

[cake_crumb]

"NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that by the adoption of this resolution that the Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor recognize the "September 11th Sunrise Vigil" that will be held this September 11, 2003 on the South Lawn of City Hall and joins in remembering the thousands of lives taken from us on that infamous day of September 11, 2001, acknowledging as a city that we will never forget this tragic day in our country’s history"

WOW, I AM impressed! Not just that he did it, but that he succeeded on KALIFORNIA!

[Bob J]

Great job Ron and sorry we couldn't make it...too much conservatism to get done...not enough time!

[ppaul]

:

Your submissions please:
AMERICA ATTACKED/AMERICA GOES TO WAR: Online FReeper library -
Post your links to videos, photos, graphics, etc. HERE

:

[RonDog]

See also:

Motion Tying Muslims to Terror Dies
Los Angeles Times ^ | 09-12-2003 | Jessica Garrison
Posted on 09/12/2003 7:36 AM PDT by boris

Motion Tying Muslims to Terror Dies

Council members Perry and Villaraigosa express regret over 'divisive' resolution blaming group for 2001 attacks and other incidents.

By Jessica Garrison, Times Staff Writer

Los Angeles City Council members Jan Perry and Antonio Villaraigosa said Thursday that they had made a mistake when they signed a resolution blaming Muslims for the Sept. 11 attacks and other acts of terrorism.

The motion, which the elected officials said had been drafted by an advocate for the homeless, Ted Hayes, and which Villaraigosa said he had signed without reading carefully, said that "in remembering the victims of Sept. 11 we also remember and acknowledge the truth as to who the perpetrators themselves claim to be, that is, Muslims, carrying out the will of the Deity of their religion known as Islam."

CLICK HERE for the rest of that thread

[ALOHA RONNIE]

'911 Remembered: RICK RESCORLA was a Soldier'


http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/978534/posts?page=32

[RonDog]

See also this NEW thread:

La-La Land Pols: We Can't Say Muslims Caused 9/11
[Ted Hayes, L.A. City Council, anti-terrorism?]
www.newsmax.com ^ | September 12, 2003 | NewsMax
Posted on 09/12/2003 3:19 PM PDT by RonDog

Friday, Sept. 12, 2003

La-La Land Pols: We Can't Say Muslims Caused 9/11

Members of the Los Angeles City Council say they blundered when they signed a resolution acknowledging that Muslims carried out the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Councilmen Antonio Villaraigosa and Jan Perry admit signing the motion without reading it. It said that "in remembering the victims of Sept. 11 we also remember and acknowledge the truth as to who the perpetrators themselves claim to be, that is, Muslims, carrying out the will of the Deity of their religion known as Islam."

The resolution, drafted by Ted Hayes, an advocate for homeless people, also called on Muslims to "intensify their denouncements of those members within their religion and community who continue to engage in acts of terror throughout the world," the Los Angeles Times reported today.

"To have that very divisive and very insensitive resolution is really shocking," fumed Maher Hathout, spokesman for Islamic Center of Southern California and senior adviser of Muslim Public Affairs Council. "It is completely contrary to the spirit of Los Angeles.

"It is singling out Muslims as a suspected group. It is using language about the religion of Islam that's completely unacceptable."

Villaraigosa agreed and fretted: "They put motions like this in front of you all the time. They put it in front of me, and I signed it."

Perry also apologized. "Some of the language was provocative, in retrospect," she said.

Hayes said he was surprised the council members had signed "the politically incorrect" document.

"They could have prevented this controversy," he said. "If they're not reading this simple document clearly through, what else are they not reading clearly through?"

CLICK HERE for the rest of that thread

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET


TED HAYES = DEMOCRACY in Action


NEVER FORGET

[abigail2]

Hhi AR, thanks for the ping...molon labe (I just learned this!)