San Diego communities mark 23 years since 9/11, honor first responders [Video]

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (CNS) – South Bay business leaders will recognize the efforts of first responders with a small gesture of free meals Wednesday, 23 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

On that day in 2001, 441 first responders lost their lives among the thousands who perished in New York, northern Virginia and Pennsylvania.

To honor the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters and police officers, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Seven Mile Casino and spokesman Pedro Anaya have teamed up with local businesses to provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner to every fire and police station in Chula Vista, Bonita and Imperial Beach.

“About six years ago I was watching coverage on the news and just wanted to do something to say thank you, being moved by the stories,” Anaya told City News Service. “So that year we picked one station and delivered food. We kept …