Local woman who died in 9/11 attacks remembered

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Among the nearly 3,000 who died on 9/11 was Houstonian Lauren Catuzzi. On Tuesday morning, the city held a memorial service to remember her and the countless others who died that day and in the war on terror.

Lauren's Garden is a tribute to Lauren Catuzzi and all victims of September 11, 2001. More than a decade later, this day comes and goes no easier for Lauren's father.

"Obviously 9/11 brings to my mind now the need to remember," said Lawrence Catuzzi.

His daughter Lauren died this day 11 years ago. She was the only Houstonian aboard United Airlines Flight 93 when it went down near Shakesville, Pennsylvania. Lauren was born and raised in Houston. She was 38 years old and three months pregnant at time of her death.

"This memorial is more than Lauren's Garden. This memorial is for all of the victims of 9/11," said Lawrence.

The garden situated in downtown's Market Square Park is a living memorial dedicated to a woman who, her father says, loved the outdoors.

"I thank you and I thank God for giving us this gift," said Harris Co. Precinct 1 Commissioner El Franco Lee.

At a public gathering, elected officials and citizens joined to remember the events and the heroes of September 11th.

"Remember what it felt like, how it brought us together as Americans, united, one people," said Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

But they also came together to remember Lauren's spirit which, in this downtown Houston park, is very much alive.

"This memorial is a place of life, every day. Where kids come to play, where families come to walk their dogs, people come to eat and enjoy music and enjoy life," said Lawrence. "I talk to Lauren every day, just a little whisper here or there."

Members of the Houston Grand Opera performed musical selections from "Pieces of 9/11," written in honor of all victims, including Lauren Catuzzi.

In honor of the first responders who died on 9/11, several Houston Astros toured Houston fire stations, thanking firefighters for putting their lives on the line.

"Just to show the appreciation for what they do every day," said Astro Brian Bogusevic.

At Station 19, the flag remains lowered. A picture of Ground Zero reminds firefighters of their brothers and sisters who died trying to save others.

"It still, 11 years later, makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up," said HFD Captain Rick Baker.

Several other ceremonies honor the memories of those lost:

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The mayor will also participate in pre-game ceremony at the Astros Heroes Night at Minute Maid Park at 6:30pm.

The firehouse visits this morning will take place prior to Astros Heroes Night at Minute Maid Park, which will commemorate the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Heroes Night honors area first responders and military personnel and gives fans and players an opportunity to thank Houston's public servants for their dedication to protecting others.

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6378 and its Ladies Auxiliary held a 9/11 Rememberance Ceremony at 10am at the Dickinson Cemetery, including a dedication of a new flagpole.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Local Nigerians react to deadly attacks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was a violent Christmas day in Nigeria where at least 39 people died and dozens more were injured in terror attacks claimed by radical Muslim sect.

The White House says it will help Nigeria bring to justice those behind today's attacks.

The most deadly attack took place at a church during Christmas Mass.

Members of a Nigerian church in Houston say they are remembering the victims and praying for their homeland.

They were celebrating Christmas at Redeemed Christian Church of God on Sugar Branch Drive in Houston on Sunday, but their thoughts were with those thousands of miles away.

"May the peace of God be with Nigerians," Lola Onanusi said. "It's really shocking to hear something like this happened on Christmas day. May God have mercy on us."

The terror attacks across Nigeria killed at least 39 people. Many of them died on the steps of a Catholic church after celebrating Christmas Mass.

Local responders could not get enough medical personnel in to help all the wounded.

The violence spread throughout the country from gunfire to a suicide car bomber.

"Nothing we can do than to pray. There is no way that darkness can overcome light. Darkness may persist, but eventually it is the light that will come," Theophilus Akinyele said.

The wounded filled the cement floors of a nearby government hospital. A radical Muslim group has claimed responsibility

The president of Nigeria says they will spend more on security and are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

Here in houston, Nigerian-Americans lift up prayers for the violence to end.

"It's sad that some families have to be mourning at this time. However, the joy of Christmas, we pray that God will also change the hearts of those who are going around doing wicked things," Samuel Akinrinde said.

This Christmas attack comes one year after a series of Christmas Eve bombings claimed by the militants left at least 32 dead and 74 wounded.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Suspect attacks store clerk during robbery attempt

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are searching for a suspect who attacked a store clerk during an attempted aggravated robbery in the Richmond area.

At about 9:40pm on December 5, Ft. Bend Co. Sheriff's deputies say they were called to the Timewise (Shell) Convenience Store in the 3500 block of FM 762 where the store clerk said the suspect entered the store brandishing a handgun and demanded money. The clerk said the suspect was aggressive, and before the clerk could answer, he began hitting the clerk in the head with the handgun.

The clerk said he raised his arms and rushed toward the bandit, who turned and exited the store.

A second store clerk who had been outside, and said they saw the suspect run across FM 762 and into the parking lot of Petco and Marshall's in the Brazos Town Center shopping center. Deputies conducted a search of the area, but could not find the suspect.

The clerk was treated at the scene by EMS and later went to the hospital by private vehicle.

The suspect is described as a white male about 30 to 35 years of age. He had gray, shortly trimmed hair and was wearing a red hoodie.

Information which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect involved could earn you up to $5,000 cash reward. Call Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office at 281-341-4665, Fort Bend Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 281-342-TIPS (8477) or text FBCCS plus the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tips also can be submitted online at FortBend-TX-CrimeStoppers.org. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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