Across East Texas, people at schools, nonprofits, hospitals and more are remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 25 years after the tragedy that impacted America and the entire world.
Several events are planned throughout Friday to mark the anniversary.
JACK ELEMENTARY CEREMONY
Tyler ISD’s Jack Elementary will have its annual Patriot Day ceremony starting at 8:15 a.m. Students will lead the ceremony to remember all who lost their lives that day, including the Tyler native for whom the school is named.
Dr. Bryan C. Jack worked for the Pentagon as an economist before being killed in the attacks. He was on American Airlines Flight 77, which hijackers crashed into the Pentagon.
EAST TEXAS FOOD BANK EVENT
At the East Texas Food Bank, first responders from across Smith County and the Texas Department of Public Safety will come together for a National Day of Service.
Deputies, police officers, firefighters and paramedics will volunteer at the food bank this morning from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
AMERICAN FREEDOM MUSEUM
At The Brook Hill School and American Freedom Museum in Bullard, tribute lights representing the Twin Towers are lighting up the East Texas sky to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11. The beams will shine again Friday night from 8 to 11 p.m.
The American Freedom Museum will also hold a ceremony Friday morning starting at 7:30 a.m. Brook Hill School faculty and students will read the name of every victim listed on the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, as well as those featured on the 9/11 panels located on the American Freedom Museum’s outdoor “Walk of Honor” teaching exhibit.
The names will be read on the outdoor Museum Plaza in front of the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial.
LONGVIEW REGIONAL REMEMBERANCE
At the Longview Regional Medical Center, there will be a remembrance ceremony where hospital leaders, employees, volunteers, first responders and community members will gather at the hospital flagpole beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event will include remarks, a moment of silence and a prayer honoring those who lost their lives and those who continue to serve their communities. The American flag will also fly at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day.
UT TYLER STAIR CLIMB
UT Tyler is holding its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Friday morning to remember the victims and recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders. Participants will climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day.
The drop-in event runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving participants the opportunity to climb at their own pace. The event takes place in the Herrington Patriot Center basketball gym.
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