It’s been 25 years this year since 9/11 seared the soul of America when Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked four commercial flights flying from the East Coast of the United States. Two of the flights hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one hit the Pentagon, while the passengers on the last fought the terrorists and crashed the plane in Pennsylvania.
Anyone over 10 at the time can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. For most of us and for America as well it was a life changing moment. Much as changed since then from airport security to new government agencies to foreign wars to government surveillance.
We should all take some time this 9/11 to honor the fallen, the first responders that day, and the people whose lives were forever changed. In addition there are many local 9/11 events of which here are a few.
Local 9/11 events this year
Friday, September 11, 2026
- George W. Bush Presidential Center Moment of Remembrance (Dallas)
- Time: 8:30 AM (Doors open at 8:00 AM; arrive before 8:15 AM)
- Details: Hosted in collaboration with SMU Police and local public safety departments. Free admission and parking to the Bush Museum are provided all day. Advanced online registration is required.
- City of Fort Worth 25th Anniversary Memorial Event (Fort Worth)
- Time: 7:15 AM
- Details: Official city memorial event honoring first responders and victims.
- Grapevine 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial Service (Grapevine)
- Details: Annual tribute held at the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial honoring flight crew members, first responders, and military personnel.
- Memorial: Grapevine also has a 9/11 memorial. Click Here
Saturday, September 12, 2026
- 9/11 Heroes Run 5K & Ruck (Arlington)
- Time: Opening ceremony at 8:00 AM; race starts at 8:30 AM
- Location: Near the National Medal of Honor Museum area
- Details: Benefiting the Travis Manion Foundation, featuring a 5K Run, 5K Ruck, and kids’ run.
- National Day of Service and Remembrance (DFW National Cemetery)
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas
- Details: Volunteer service gathering focused on cleaning headstones and maintaining cemetery grounds.
Where were you on 9/11?
My story so much like many others: All of us remember the exact moment we heard/viewed the attacks on the twin towers, the Pentagon, and the fields of Pennsylvania. As for myself I was in Silicon Valley preparing for a Detailed Design, yes we still did Waterfall, at Lockheed. It was very early Tuesday morning. I was preparing for a run. On CNN while I dressed there were reports of a small aircraft hitting one of the twin towers. After my run I turned TV back on and watched United Airlines Flight 175 ram the 2nd tower. The Detailed Design was postponed but all planes were grounded. Garland told us to stay and finish the Detailed Design preparation. Friday morning Garland told us to drive the rental car home because no one knew when we could fly home.
Garland ESY/Raytheon Retirees 
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