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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Parade for Train Heroes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) - California's capital city celebrated three local men whose quick thinking thwarted a railway terrorist attempt, with a parade.

Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler have become globally-recognized heroes since Aug. 21, when they helped tackle and subdue a suspected Islamist gunman on a train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris.

"Our community has been anxiously awaiting the return of our three hometown heroes -Anthony, Alek and Spencer - so that we can celebrate and honor their incredible courage," Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said in a statement about the celebration, which was held Friday.

The Mayor's office said that the parade date was chosen because Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler will only be in town a limited time, but noted its significance.

"It's fitting that we're having this event on September 11th. What better way to remember the victims and sacrifices that were made on that tragic day and to celebrate the strength and character of our country," Mayor Johnson said.

Brian Rice, president of the Sacramento firefighters union said, "As first responders, we know the danger that those three young men faced when they charged the terrorist on the train headed for Paris. We couldn't think of a more perfect day to honor their heroism than on September 11 when we commemorate the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon."

The parade drew hundreds to Sacramento's Capital Mall, where the trio waved from a float before being given keys to the city by Mayor Johnson, local press reported. According to the weather website accuweather.com, Sacramento temperatures topped 100 degrees that day.

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