Honoring 9/11: A Reminder of Service, Sacrifice, and Community

Why “Never Forget” Still Matters—Even in SLO County

Every year on September 11, we pause to remember a day that changed our nation forever. For many of us, "Never Forget" isn't just something we say—it's something we live. It’s a commitment to honoring the lives lost, recognizing the courage of first responders, and holding tight to the unity we felt in the aftermath.

Here in San Luis Obispo County, we're hundreds of miles from Ground Zero—but the impact of 9/11 still runs deep. From local fire departments flying flags at half-staff, to Patriot Day gatherings like the Mutual Aid Fair in Grover Beach, our community continues to show up, reflect, and remember.

It’s also a time to appreciate the work our local first responders do every day—often without fanfare. The same spirit of service that showed up on 9/11 lives on in the EMTs, firefighters, and officers who serve our neighborhoods today. Events like the Grover Beach fair give families a chance to meet these everyday heroes face to face, see their equipment, and understand what “mutual aid” means when our community needs it most.

As a real estate agent here in SLO County, I’ve met countless families connected to public service—nurses, military members, teachers, and first responders. Their stories stick with me. So when I say “Never Forget,” it’s not just about looking back—it’s about honoring those who still carry that same spirit forward.

This Patriot Day, I encourage you to take a moment. Attend a local event, fly a flag, thank someone in uniform. In a place as connected and close-knit as SLO County, remembrance isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we show up for each other now.