La Quinta holds an annual candlelight vigil on September 11, honors the fallen Cpl Marine. Hunter Lopez

The community gathered at the La Quinta Civic Center on Saturday evening to honor the lives lost on September 11, to reflect on the history and to thank our first responders.

“We come together in service and remembrance to honor the 3,000 beautiful lives that were taken from us … so cruelly … 20 years ago,” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans.

Dozens of people took part in a candlelight vigil. “It’s just good to be one of those like-minded people who care about this country,” said Reno Barela, a resident of Indio.

“We would be nowhere without the first responders, the military, the police,” added Sherry Palmateer, a resident of Bermuda Dunes.

The event featured several guest speakers, touching musical tributes and a special dedication to the late Cpl Marine. Coachella Valley native Hunter Lopez killed in Afghanistan last month.

Community members also gathered around the 9/11 monument in the park – it wraps around a steel beam from the zero point of the World Trade Center.