It was 25 years ago that Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked several commercial airplanes and flew them into the Twin Towers in New York City, causing both structures to collapse. As Americans reflect on this event, Sunset Beach artist Bill Anderson put his memories and emotions into a painting. “My painting shows a great deal of damage that was done the day the Twin Towers in New York City went down with the main message portraying strength of the American people,” he said.
The 85-year-old painter and retired teacher said he showed oversized elements such as the fists of various races and the American flag and what it represents, along with a family celebrating America on top of the flag. “On the lower part I painted the Statue of Liberty and New York City firefighters.”
Anderson has a personal connection to 9/11, remembering his immigrant wife, Ausma Anderson, who passed away on September 11, 2011. “She was born in Latvia and came with her family through Ellis Island after World War II,” he said. “Her family left Latvia as Russians camps encroached in Germany. Her family was sponsored by Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota.” Like millions of other immigrants (approx. 12 million), they were processed through Ellis Island. “She and her family were great Americans the rest of their lives,” Anderson said.
Seal Beach will observe the 25th anniversary of the attack on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Fire Station 44.