NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The pain the 9/11 attacks caused lingers in the hearts of many 22 years later. Memorials like the one nestled at the center of North Hollywood Park help communities continue to remember and honor those lives lost. 

The permanent memorial, built in 2002, pays tribute to the known 78 Californians lost at the time. 

The idea for the memorial came from the Hollywood Beautification team, who wanted to support those personally affected and set out to plant trees in the memory of their loved ones. 

They planted some at churches, backyards and neighborhoods where the family members had asked.

By June 2002, they created a permanent memorial at North Hollywood Park and planted 83 trees alongside 29 family members of those they were honoring. 

A candle-lighting ceremony used to be held yearly, but that changed. Since 2021, the ceremonies are now being held every five years.