State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre during the Patriot Day observance on Sept. 11.

SBCSS held ceremonies at each office location in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Alejandre spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

“Today, we thank and pay our respects to firefighters and first responders for their dedication to save lives and save communities on 9/11 and beyond,” Alejandre said.