Twenty years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the world was shocked at the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.  

On Aug. 18, 1971—just over 50 years ago—First Lady Pat Nixon visited Border Field State Park in San Diego, California to inaugurate the site. Being bothered by the cables separating the United States and Mexico, she remarked, “I hope there won’t be a fence too long here.” 

She crossed into Mexico to greet the audience that had gathered in Tijuana, at the western edge of the U.S.-Mexico border. This location within Border Field State Park became known as Friendship Park.