Photo By Airman 1st Class Maria Mota | Two thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven American flags were displayed during a...... read more read more
Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we continue to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the courage of those who answered the call.
The community of San Angelo united to honor those lost at the annual memorial service held at the city’s 9/11 monument, Sept. 11, 2026.
During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Norton, 17th Training Wing commander, spoke on the lasting impact of the 9/11 attacks and how the events affected the nation, the military and his own path of service.
“That same calling shaped the lives of thousands of fellow service members,” said Norton. “Those who were already wearing the cloth of our nation, and the countless patriots that raised their right hand in the days and years that followed. Every single day of our service has been defined by what has transpired across New York City, at the Pentagon, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.”
As the service continued, San Angelo’s leaders expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support of those who serve and defend the nation.
“I am so thankful for this community that continues, year in and year out, to remember the sacrifices of our first responders and military and 3,000-plus victims,” said U.S. Rep. August Pfluger. “Let us never forget that freedom is never free.”
Later that day, members of Goodfellow Air Force Base showed respect to the fallen heroes of 9/11 through a remembrance ceremony held at the Louis F. Garland Department of War Fire Academy.
“343, as we know, because that's a big number, were firefighters. 23, New York Police Department. 37 Port Authority police officers, ” said retired Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Robinson.
The ceremony commemorated the 403 first responders who lost their lives while responding to the attacks.
Speakers at the event mentioned that following the first attack, first responders immediately assisted those in need, unsure of the risk that presented itself. Through blurry vision from smoke and debris, the goal was clear: to save as many people as possible.
The terrorist attacks remain engraved in the nation's history. The memory of those brave heroes and their sacrifices continues to influence how first responders are trained, helping ensure they are prepared to protect their communities.
“Twenty-five years ago, the world changed in an instant,” said Norton. “Today, we gather in solemn remembrance of the 2,977 innocent lives stolen from us in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.”
First responders from the Goodfellow Medical Group, 17th Security Forces Squadron and 312th Training Squadron recited prayers to honor the memory of those lost.
As the ceremony concluded, guests were encouraged to place a name on the Board of Honor, honoring the immense sacrifice and courage of those who responded to the attacks.
“Twenty-five years later, we remember, we honor, and we stand resolute in our conviction. ‘No day shall erase you from the memory of time,’” said Norton.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2026 17:08 |
| Story ID: | 574934 |
| Location: | GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Never Forget: Honoring 25 Years Since 9/11, by A1C Maria Mota and A1C Brayden Pridgen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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