Local salon owner does her part to help honor 9-11 and pay tribute to those who keep Americans safe

The phone rings off the hook with parents booking appointments at the "Sweet and Sassy"salon.  Stephanie Diaz and her salon cater to a very specific clientele:  Children.  She makes them feel special.

But on this anniversary of 9-11 she hopes to also help teach her young patrons, even the very youngest.

"They are going to learn about this in their history lessons and so many people, innocent people, children, lost their lives that day and it was tragic," Diaz said.  "We never want this to happen again."

So, Diaz decided to help children understand the importance of this day. She offered kids of anyone who serves this country, 50 percent off any service.

"It is a way to show appreciation to those who are still fighting for our freedom and remember the people we lost," Diaz said. "I think it is really important and if I can do some small aspect to make a family that has been involved or touched by that and make a family smile that day I have done what I can do."

She's said she's not doing it for recognition, but in remembrance.

"My salon is a luxury, it is not a necessity.  Like many, I am a struggling small business.  It is a very tough economy but I feel it is important for me not to worry about am I going to pay rent?  Am going to be able to pay my employees? Am I going to pay my bills? I wanted to make sure no matter what, no matter how hard those times are, I am still doing what I should be doing and that is paying tribute to these people on this one day," said Diaz.

Diaz has no direct ties to those that perished or even the military, but said she's an American doing her part to make a difference.