It was a patriotic ceremony. U.S flags draped throughout the USS Midway Sunday.
In the distance was the USS Carl Vinson. The San Diego-based carrier responsible for Osama bin Laden's burial-at-sea. But this ceremony dealt little with the horror, and more with the heroism that took place on 9/11.
There was a wreath laying ceremony, a military flyover and a 21-gun salute. The names of first responders killed in the attacks also echoed throughout the flight deck, followed by a bell chime.
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders was one of the guest speakers.
"We pay honor to those innocent victims and brave men and women who gave their lives,” Sanders said. “Ten years later, we still remember; we will always remember.”
The memorial service was organized by retired New York City firefighters who now call San Diego home.
Overall the atmosphere was positive, but there were some somber moments.
Kelly Crittle of Oceanside held up a sign with the names of several of her friends who were killed in the attacks.
"They were colleagues and very good friends; they were in the North Tower when it fell...they were all fantastic people and are really missed," she said.
With tears welled up in her eyes, she admitted this was her first time marking the anniversary of 9/11 in public.
For Cassie Jones of Vista, this is a tradition. "This was on U.S. soil, you can never forget that," she said.
Jones is a military wife. Her husband is in the Navy and stationed at Camp Pendleton.
Local firefighters and dignitaries also attended to remember this day in history.
At Qualcomm Stadium before the game, a remembrance ceremony included flyovers by Osprey aircraft and a bald eagle. The Chargers won their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, 24-17.
Religious leaders of various faiths also held services at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
