December 2, 2015

Creation of the Curtain of Courage Memorial

The Curtain of Courage Memorial honors the 14 victims, survivors and first responders of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino. The memorial consists of 14 individual bronze alcoves shaped like protective curtains along the San Bernardino County Government Center’s east promenade. The families of the victims selected the color of glass for each alcove and personalized the phrase on each bench inside each of the alcoves.

On December 2, 2015, 14 people were killed and 22 were physically injured during the attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino where employees of San Bernardino County’s Environmental Health Services division were holding a training event.

Following the attack, the Board of Supervisors directed the formation of a Memorial Committee tasked with creating and building a memorial to those who died, those who survived, our first responders, and our county community impacted by the trauma.

The December 2nd Memorial Committee formed in 2016 and held several meetings to establish an overall vision for the memorial based on shared values. The committee determined the memorial should recognize the broad diversity and lives of the victims as well as those who stepped up to preserve and protect life.

The memorial would also provide enduring recognition of the County employees who witnessed the attack, many of whom were physically injured and all of whom were emotionally impacted. The committee expressed that the memorial would be a place for quiet reflection, and would result in a space to appropriately and eternally reflect the many important and unique people, stories, and lessons of December 2nd.

The Memorial Committee selected world-renowned landscape architect and artist Walter Hood who worked on the creation of the Curtain of Courage Memorial with input from the families of the 14 victims.

Departed Friends

We will never forget the 14 people taken from us on December 2, 2015. They were public health workers who loved their families, respected their co-workers and served their community.

San Bernardino Heroes

The heroes from a number of law enforcement and fire agencies came to our aid on December 2, 2015. They didn’t hesitate to go in and try to save as many people as possible. They engaged in a shootout with the terrorists in the street and put their own lives on the line to protect our County employees and the community. They left no stone unturned when investigating what happened and why. We owe them our gratitude.

The Community Response

Presidential Visit

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Air Force One on December 18, 2015 to meet with the families of the 14 people taken from us during the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack.

President Obama met and spoke with the families during a meeting at Indian Springs High School in San Bernardino where he expressed his condolences and his support. He also met with first responders.

Vigils and Gatherings

The San Bernardino County community over the years has supported our County Family through the tragedy. A number of private and public events have been held over the years to support us and our employees. Take a look back at the gatherings and memorials that took place to honor our departed friends and our survivors.