Sept. 11 Ceremony Underway In Dana Point: What To Know

DANA POINT, CA — This Sept. 11 marks the 25 year anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. On this fateful day, almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives and our nation's path was changed forever.

Twenty-five years later, Orange County remembers the people who perished and the first responders who risked their lives battling flames and crumbling buildings.

Across Orange County, residents and local governments are honoring the fallen. We've compiled a list of memorial events for those who wish to join their community in remembrance this Sept. 11.

Dana Point

A special remembrance ceremony to honor the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks will be held during the Dana Point High football game against Long Beach Wilson.

Prior to the 5 p.m. game, student-athletes will escort local veterans and first responders onto the field for a ceremony and commemorative presentation.

The event includes a color guard, aerial flyover, and more at Spencer Stadium.

Tickets for the game are $11 and can be purchased online.

Laguna Beach

The City of Laguna Beach and the city's police department will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Monument Point in Heisler Park to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Local fire, marine and police personnel are expected to be in attendance.

A moment of silence will be followed by a countywide emergency radio broadcast, city staff said.

The ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 9:30 a.m. at Heisler Park.

Newport Beach

The Newport Harbor Elks Lodge 1767 and Sons of the American Legion SAL Squadron 291 will host a remembrance ceremony in Newport Beach Friday at Veterans Memorial Park.

The ceremony starts at 5 p.m., and following the ceremony, Newport Harbor Elks members are able to enjoy a no-host bar, refreshments and more on the West Patio.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 215 15th St.

Irvine

The Orange County Fire Authority will host its annual remembrance at its headquarters at the facility's 9/11 Memorial and will include a bell-ringing ceremony and remarks.

The ceremony will also be livestreamed at Facebook.com/OCFireAuthority starting at 8 a.m. Friday.

Mission Viejo

In Mission Viejo, the city is teaming up with the Mission For Heroes Foundation to host the Mission For Heroes Game on Friday at Mission Viejo High School.

The evening starts with a concert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with tickets costing $10 apiece.

A pregame ceremony will follow, recognizing the 2026 Konrad Reuland Community Hero Award nominees.

The Mission Viejo Diablos will then take on Lincoln High School of San Diego, where the tradition of pairing each player with a local hero whose story inspires them will be continued.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting this link.

Rancho Santa Margarita

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is holding a Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11 to honor and remember those who died during the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks 25 years ago.

This Patriot Day, community members also have a chance to honor Rancho Santa Margarita resident Lisa Frost, the only direct casualty from Orange County in the terror attacks.

Frost was 22 when she boarded United Airlines Flight 175. She was traveling from Boston University, the school she was attending, and on her way back home when her flight changed course.

Her plane was the second passenger jet to hit the World Trade Center in New York City.

The Patriot Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center Plaza, 22112 El Paseo, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Seal Beach

Seal Beach residents can be a part of the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday.

Attendees will hear from Senator Tony Strickland, Mayor Lisa Landau, Seal Beach Police Department Chief Michael Henderson, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey and many more.

The event will include a 6 p.m. ceremony followed by a candlelit procession to Seal Beach Pier and a memorial lighting.

The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. at the Orange County Fire Station 44, 718 Central Ave.