A Tradition of Remembrance

Patriot Day Motorcade: A Crescenta Valley Tradition of Remembrance. Each year, September 11th brings us back to that morning in 2001 when our country was forever changed. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, families were shattered, and a nation was left to grieve. Out of that grief came a resolve: to never forget. Here in the Crescenta Valley, one of the most meaningful ways our community has chosen to remember is through the Patriot Day Motorcade.

This tradition began in the wake of 9/11, when community leaders—including members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, Dwight Sityar, Jean Maluccio and Steve Pierce founded the 9/11 Patriot Day Motorcade to honor lives lost and to unite our valley in remembrance. For a decade, the event brought together classic cars, hot rods, sheriff’s vehicles, and fire engines, all rolling through our neighborhoods in a solemn yet uplifting tribute. After the original organizers stepped back, the tradition paused, but the community’s love for it never faded. This year, the motorcade is back, and with it comes a chance to stand together once again.

The motorcade begins at the Ralph’s parking lot on the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Rosemont Avenue—precisely timed with the moment the first tower fell. As the bells of St. Luke’s Church ring, the cars and emergency vehicles set out, making their way past schools, fire stations, and landmarks throughout La Crescenta and La Cañada.

What makes this tradition so powerful is the way it engages our youth. At every stop, students pour out of classrooms to line the streets, waving American flags in tribute. The motorcade passes Mountain Avenue Elementary, Rosemont Middle School, Monte Vista Elementary, Valley View Elementary, Clark Magnet High School, Dunsmore Elementary, St. James School, Lincoln Elementary, and Crescenta Valley High School. Into Glendale Sparr Height area passing by Fremont Elementary. Then as it passes through Montrose Shopping Park on it’s way to La Canada to pass by, Paradise Canyon Elementary, La Cañada Elementary, and Palm Crest Elementary all whils kids and cummunity members stand curbside in respect.

I’ll never forget the sight of more than 1,200 Rosemont Middle School students waving flags as the motorcade rolled past. Or the way Monte Vista students lined Crescenta Commons down to their campus, creating a sea of red, white, and blue. These moments bring home the importance of remembrance, teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made and the resilience we continue to show as Americans.

The route also winds past our fire stations—28, 63, 29, 82, and 19—as well as local landmarks like the Crescenta Valley Library, the La Crescenta Women’s Club, the VFW, and the Montrose Shopping Park. The motorcade ultimately ends at the YMCA of the Foothills in La Cañada, a fitting place of community gathering and strength.

For those who wish to watch, you can find the full route and timing map by clicking here.. Families are encouraged to stand along the sidewalks, wave their flags, and take a moment to reflect. It’s not just about watching cars go by—it’s about remembering, teaching, and honoring together.

The Patriot Day Motorcade is more than a parade. It’s a living tribute that ties together memory, community, and tradition. For me, having once ridden in the motorcade as part of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, it remains one of the most emotional experiences of my life. To look out at thousands of children waving flags and to see neighbors lining the streets reminds us that we are united, and we will never forget.

On September 11th, take a few minutes out of your day. Stand on the curb, bring your flag, and be part of a Crescenta Valley tradition that means so much. This motorcade is our promise to the fallen and to future generations: we will always remember.

Here is a picture gallery from previous Crescenta Valley Mortorcade events.